We hear the word “communication” all the time. Companies, parents, relationships... seem so often to talk about the importance of communication.
So how about prayer? Why does that seem so tedious or burdensome? Why does it seem of least priority to us so often? With any relationship, communication is essential to grow and develop. Prayer is simply that, COMMUNICATION with God.
I talk constantly with God. I find it a joy to speak with Him. I find certain settings to be more inviting of intimate conversations than others. Do you think my conversation with my husband in the middle of the mall or a romantic candlelight dinner at a quiet quaint restaurant? I often out of nowhere will think of something about God and just marvel at Him, which creates a desire to just simply utter a whispered “I love you.” Similar as I do at random times to my husband. Why do we treat a relationship with God so differently?
Our relationship grows as we seek to give our voice to one who desires a relationship with us.
I find this verse interesting in that Jesus, despite being JESUS himself, he too chose a CERTAIN (1) place at times to pray at.
Luke 11:1One day Jesus was praying in a certain (1) place. When he finished (2), one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach (3) us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
The second interesting part that I see in this verse is that the disciples often witnessed Jesus removing himself to pray to quiet, certain places, but they didn’t interrupt Him. For it says, WHEN HE FINISHED. Isn’t that interesting? They would see and know how important this time was guarded and how intimate it was in His conversation to His Father.
The third point is that his own disciples longed to be TAUGHT after witnessing His conversations with the Father, that they too wanted to learn this. “TEACH us Lord” they asked.
Is our desire intense enough that we too would say, “Lord TEACH me how to talk with you”?
Do you know Jesus actually cried a lot, and loudly too? There is a beautiful verse in Hebrews that I’ve held closely as I ponder the intimate conversations that Jesus had with His Father.
Hebrews 5:7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
I LOVE this picture of our Lord talking with His Father. I aspire to be like Him in EVERY way, especially in deepest intimate conversations with my Father.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
A Twist on "Twilight"
The recent release of the Twilight movies with blood and vampires has captured the interest of many of our teens. It so amazes me how the enemy loves to sugar coat evil by creating romances out of destruction and death. The enemy has come to steal, kill and destroy us... now what in the world is light or even fun about that??
John 10:10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
grrrrr......
BUT I won't give in that easily. :) I simply want our youth to have TRUTH. To fight back the lies of darkness with the truth of light. Vampires don't like light. But there's nothing wrong with BLOOD... actually that is where the power and life is!!
SO... on that theme, we decided to do a whole teaching on BLOOD. And as a group of leaders we came together to touch on the topic of life in the blood, including discussion on abortion, and ultimately the power that is ours when we exchange our blood for that of Christ's. The power that was in His blood is now offered to us. And from that we showcased the reality of communion, not in "religious traditions" as much as drinking of the cup is truly the reminder that we drink of HIS BLOOD. And with a confession of our own sin and denying our own life blood to exchange for HIS, gives us freedom forever.
John 6:53Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. John 6:54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
It was an incredible time at youth! At the end, we called for the first time those that desired to exchange their blood for His, and not to take it lightly! To only declare such, if it's what they really want. Many desired to come to the wooden cross at the front of the room, dipped their fingerprint in the red paint and sealed it on the cross. Their signature of unique life in their fingerprint; their blood, and then they took of the communion cups beside the cross, many for the first time realizing now the truth behind this cup. For it is His blood that they desired.
What a powerful time. Truly. Many stayed beyond the normal allotted time. There were many tears, hugs, deep encounters and reunions of friendships and forgiveness. Once again, even after Sunday's study I sense a deeper Spirit in and through us at work. It's as if we are beginning to ride that wave. It's exciting and it's ever real. We are becoming witnesses! Not only of what He's done for us but at what He's doing in this up and coming generation!
I came in early the next morning so thankful to God for what HE IS doing. I knelt in the dark, quiet, open room and humbly thanked Him. Then I arose to touch every red stained fingerprint praying individually for each of these precious lives. Tears escaped my heart and soul, as I count it such a privilege to simply be one of HIS Life Coaches.
Through Blood, Sweat and Tears,
c
John 10:10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
grrrrr......
BUT I won't give in that easily. :) I simply want our youth to have TRUTH. To fight back the lies of darkness with the truth of light. Vampires don't like light. But there's nothing wrong with BLOOD... actually that is where the power and life is!!
SO... on that theme, we decided to do a whole teaching on BLOOD. And as a group of leaders we came together to touch on the topic of life in the blood, including discussion on abortion, and ultimately the power that is ours when we exchange our blood for that of Christ's. The power that was in His blood is now offered to us. And from that we showcased the reality of communion, not in "religious traditions" as much as drinking of the cup is truly the reminder that we drink of HIS BLOOD. And with a confession of our own sin and denying our own life blood to exchange for HIS, gives us freedom forever.
John 6:53Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. John 6:54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
It was an incredible time at youth! At the end, we called for the first time those that desired to exchange their blood for His, and not to take it lightly! To only declare such, if it's what they really want. Many desired to come to the wooden cross at the front of the room, dipped their fingerprint in the red paint and sealed it on the cross. Their signature of unique life in their fingerprint; their blood, and then they took of the communion cups beside the cross, many for the first time realizing now the truth behind this cup. For it is His blood that they desired.
What a powerful time. Truly. Many stayed beyond the normal allotted time. There were many tears, hugs, deep encounters and reunions of friendships and forgiveness. Once again, even after Sunday's study I sense a deeper Spirit in and through us at work. It's as if we are beginning to ride that wave. It's exciting and it's ever real. We are becoming witnesses! Not only of what He's done for us but at what He's doing in this up and coming generation!
I came in early the next morning so thankful to God for what HE IS doing. I knelt in the dark, quiet, open room and humbly thanked Him. Then I arose to touch every red stained fingerprint praying individually for each of these precious lives. Tears escaped my heart and soul, as I count it such a privilege to simply be one of HIS Life Coaches.
Through Blood, Sweat and Tears,
c
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Martyr is my Witness
What are you a witness to? Really.
When someone says your name what do people first think of? Be honest, be real. Ask others. Tell them to be brutally honest.
What or who, if anything would you be willing to die for?
Aren't the last words of someone so powerful? Often replayed over and over again. Jesus leaves the commission to "Go" and make disciples but a powerful phrase we miss is His words in Acts, just before He enters heaven He says to His disciples, Acts 1:8 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
The New Testament word for "witness"is the same for "martyr". We have come to know martyrs for those who have died for the faith. Again I ask you, what in your life, or who would you die for?
A witness is someone who sees, hears, or knows by personal presence and perception. These guys KNEW Him, personally. I KNOW HIM PERSONALLY... and hence my desire of even just sharing this blog. His personal encounters are available to all! If we simply WITNESS to Who He is to us, and what experiences we have with Him, we are honoring the call. Seems pretty simple?? YES... BUT SIMPLE for those that daily walk with God. What a joy, what a privilege! How easy it is to just relay details of personal encounters. May we continue to desire to walk with God, for in that we CAN WITNESS of what an amazing GOD loves us, so unconditionally.
I will write more on this later, my loving husband is taking me for a romantic date night. :)
Witness to our GREAT GOD, My life is His,
To the point of death, I shall declare I love Him,
C
Monday, January 11, 2010
Forecast Calling for a Windy Generation
I am so incredibly thankful to God that He is entrusting me with such amazing young people to teach and train and equip with all truth to be great men and women in this country.
I work humbly alongside 11 other leaders that I would be honored to die with in a desire to honor our God.
They inspire excellence in everything they do from their walks of purity, living life to the fullest in fear and awe of our Great God. Loving Him first and others with a passion to see this younger generation know Him even more. We all make mistakes but together we provide grace and forgiveness and a desire to work together to not let the enemy grab a foothold anywhere. (I have included a picture at the side of both leaders, and a group shot of our youth)
Roger and I co-lead a bible study Sundays at 10am. We didn't send out a msg saying we were restarting up after the holidays as I just knew the "die hards" would indeed be there. Sure enough they were. :) We are studying "KNOW Really" who Jesus was and is as we follow his exact steps of life through the new testament. We were looking at Luke 4:14-30. Those that know me, know it is simply the bible as our source no curriculum.
We deeply examine the scriptures as we bring to life this phenomenon of a man in which our God, acts so gentle AND so bold, often in the ways we least expect it. The Lion and the Lamb he truly is. (Rog and I are actually in pursuit of 2 awesome paintings/portraits to put in the expanse of our great room on either side of the fireplace. Yes.. you got it, a lion and a lamb.) BIG BIG :) Let me know if you come across any!
Then we stop to finish with some time in prayer in which anyone can pray and I will close. No one prays, which is unheard of in our group... then I can sense God's discerning words in my heart, for each one there specifically, and I can hear Him tell me to pray it audibly for all to hear but specifically what He is putting on my heart. I argue gently, as my mind tries to overpower my heart, saying, "Lord do we really have time for all of that? And what if it's not all right? And do you have something for each one here?"
"Trust me." I hear Him say and with a deep breath I pray simply what He downloads on my heart for each one.
It takes time, but man is it deep. When we are finished, you can hear a pin drop and tears around the room. NO ONE moves from their seats as if we're glued to them. Service has just begun and we ought to be going, but again.. no one can move. Literally it's like a heavy peace, and presence of God that no one wants to leave.
Roger, who is incredibly gifted in sensing the presence of the Spirit and needing to move in it, wonders if we should continue in this. I agree. And we offer to those that really want prayer that we would remain and pray specifically with them. Over half of the group stays.
From there we move our circle closer together and each one deeply, I mean deeply to the outpouring of countless tears, declares further what the Lord has brought to the surface in each of their hearts and then we pray specifically to each one. Another there is given scriptures at the time of prayer so perfectly for that individual it's just awesome. After a few hours I'm in awe. Literally. I feel for the first time in a long time the deep intimate times in the Spirit that we shared as a group in Israel. It was powerful and refreshing and freeing to see this little flock fully alive, desiring so much more of God. I look at this remnant to which God is at work with and at how His word is becoming alive to them more and more and how they are willing to step out of the crowds at school even if that means standing alone, but not wanting to fall for the lie of unsatisfactory pleasures that lead to death. Here before me lies, quarterback, musicians, A students, athletes, even one that has been chosen to run the Olympic torch in her city, and ones from broken homes, abused, etc, honestly I ponder in my heart as Mary did, that God is at work in this younger generation. He's building His strong nucleus even right now, to stand boldly in times to come. Right now is prep work in truly KNOWING HIM, by His Spirit of Truth in them and through His word. It's a beautiful thing.
When one of the mothers of the young guys asked how church was, he declared, "It was so awesome! It felt just like it did in Israel."
Our kingdom is with us here and now, the kingdom is within us. We don't need to go somewhere to get it, we just need to know how to live, move, breathe in it, for it's already ours to those who believe. (Luke 17:21)
I am refreshed having witnessed the wind shared and blown through all of us yesterday. I know and sense and feel this love constantly. I would rather die than not have it,(Psalm 51:11
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.)
but my next greatest desire is that others too would know this hidden treasure that is available to all. That they would receive it, and would learn to walk and run in it. For then there is not even a desire to turn back.
This is the abundant life.
Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
Persevere in this time and you too will yet behold such goodness. His death is my LIFE and I shall live it boldly.
His,
C
I work humbly alongside 11 other leaders that I would be honored to die with in a desire to honor our God.
They inspire excellence in everything they do from their walks of purity, living life to the fullest in fear and awe of our Great God. Loving Him first and others with a passion to see this younger generation know Him even more. We all make mistakes but together we provide grace and forgiveness and a desire to work together to not let the enemy grab a foothold anywhere. (I have included a picture at the side of both leaders, and a group shot of our youth)
Roger and I co-lead a bible study Sundays at 10am. We didn't send out a msg saying we were restarting up after the holidays as I just knew the "die hards" would indeed be there. Sure enough they were. :) We are studying "KNOW Really" who Jesus was and is as we follow his exact steps of life through the new testament. We were looking at Luke 4:14-30. Those that know me, know it is simply the bible as our source no curriculum.
We deeply examine the scriptures as we bring to life this phenomenon of a man in which our God, acts so gentle AND so bold, often in the ways we least expect it. The Lion and the Lamb he truly is. (Rog and I are actually in pursuit of 2 awesome paintings/portraits to put in the expanse of our great room on either side of the fireplace. Yes.. you got it, a lion and a lamb.) BIG BIG :) Let me know if you come across any!
Then we stop to finish with some time in prayer in which anyone can pray and I will close. No one prays, which is unheard of in our group... then I can sense God's discerning words in my heart, for each one there specifically, and I can hear Him tell me to pray it audibly for all to hear but specifically what He is putting on my heart. I argue gently, as my mind tries to overpower my heart, saying, "Lord do we really have time for all of that? And what if it's not all right? And do you have something for each one here?"
"Trust me." I hear Him say and with a deep breath I pray simply what He downloads on my heart for each one.
It takes time, but man is it deep. When we are finished, you can hear a pin drop and tears around the room. NO ONE moves from their seats as if we're glued to them. Service has just begun and we ought to be going, but again.. no one can move. Literally it's like a heavy peace, and presence of God that no one wants to leave.
Roger, who is incredibly gifted in sensing the presence of the Spirit and needing to move in it, wonders if we should continue in this. I agree. And we offer to those that really want prayer that we would remain and pray specifically with them. Over half of the group stays.
From there we move our circle closer together and each one deeply, I mean deeply to the outpouring of countless tears, declares further what the Lord has brought to the surface in each of their hearts and then we pray specifically to each one. Another there is given scriptures at the time of prayer so perfectly for that individual it's just awesome. After a few hours I'm in awe. Literally. I feel for the first time in a long time the deep intimate times in the Spirit that we shared as a group in Israel. It was powerful and refreshing and freeing to see this little flock fully alive, desiring so much more of God. I look at this remnant to which God is at work with and at how His word is becoming alive to them more and more and how they are willing to step out of the crowds at school even if that means standing alone, but not wanting to fall for the lie of unsatisfactory pleasures that lead to death. Here before me lies, quarterback, musicians, A students, athletes, even one that has been chosen to run the Olympic torch in her city, and ones from broken homes, abused, etc, honestly I ponder in my heart as Mary did, that God is at work in this younger generation. He's building His strong nucleus even right now, to stand boldly in times to come. Right now is prep work in truly KNOWING HIM, by His Spirit of Truth in them and through His word. It's a beautiful thing.
When one of the mothers of the young guys asked how church was, he declared, "It was so awesome! It felt just like it did in Israel."
Our kingdom is with us here and now, the kingdom is within us. We don't need to go somewhere to get it, we just need to know how to live, move, breathe in it, for it's already ours to those who believe. (Luke 17:21)
I am refreshed having witnessed the wind shared and blown through all of us yesterday. I know and sense and feel this love constantly. I would rather die than not have it,(Psalm 51:11
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.)
but my next greatest desire is that others too would know this hidden treasure that is available to all. That they would receive it, and would learn to walk and run in it. For then there is not even a desire to turn back.
This is the abundant life.
Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
Persevere in this time and you too will yet behold such goodness. His death is my LIFE and I shall live it boldly.
His,
C
Thursday, January 7, 2010
My Reliquinshed Mind for His Refreshing Spirit
I had to pick up some supplies for a Youth Gathering last night at Walmart and grabbed the little basket rather than the cart, less hassle, or so I seem to think everytime until it is overflowing and things are dropping everywhere.
By the time, I was finished, the basket probably weighed 30 pounds. And my arms were completely loaded. Of course the lines at Walmart are anything but small and so by the end my circulation is now being cut off in my arm and I can barely stand it but I continue and then I have to carry it all to the car, which is far from close to the door!!
As I'm walking I'm thinking I can barely make it, heels and business suit and then I think about the power of the mind. For if someone had of given me a 30 pound weight and told me to carry it around on my arm for the past 20 minutes, I probably would've given up and changed my mind to use the cart. But instead this weight disguised as a task of necessities seems to be easier to complete. It's really amazing how powerful the mind can paint a 30 pound dumbbell creative enough that I would carry it around.
Thank goodness God doesn't look at me like a weight in which He must carry around. That He doesn't give up on me even when I can be slow, heavy, spilling everywhere, and just a pain in the butt. He doesn't change HIS MIND part way through my slow learning processes. Numbers 23:19God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
When we walk with God daily He invades our lives and teaches us constantly. The quicker we listen, learn and obey, the more He teaches us.
Yesterday I was convicted by own blog to drop off a hot lunch for Brea at school as a surprise. It has been a while since I've done this. I left it at the office with a text to her and a note on it, simply telling her I loved her. She checks her phone often at lunchtime to text me about basketball practises etc but for some reason I didn't get a return text? Very strange. But gave it to God, completely trusting Him and asking that someone didn't steal the burger and fries that I left there.
Still not hearing from her by the evening but knowing she was playing basketball I thought it strange she didn't give us a time to pick her up via text. Wed nights I get into the zone of leading and teaching our Sr. Highs here at the church so she knows if she doesn't get me before she has to wait until the end to be picked up, which she is fine with. Nonetheless I prayed that God would help us logistically with the pick up and that she was okay?
I then, literally 30 min later get a call from another parent who's picking up her son and offered to bring Brea to the church with her!! BOTH Brea and I were so overjoyed for what I found out after she arrived was how she was texting me at lunch to thank me SO MUCH for the lunch when the teacher took away her phone and she couldn't get it back until today. So there was no way she could communicate with me as she didn't even have my new blackberry number memorized. But she too KNOWS after hundreds of lessons, the power of our Daddy. And so she too was asking Him for a way to me. :)
She later that night so excited about the lunch blessing I surprised her with told me she thought it was a direct blessing as she had passed the love on to her new sister that morning. (As God continues to blend our family I am absolutely left in awe how much our 3 kids LOVE each other. They have truly become as best friends. This is a deep prayer of both Roger and mine to Him.)
Alyssa got a new Swipes Binder for Christmas and hadn't used it yet. Brea took it and wrote a note on the front page to say, "I love you Alyssa." wow.... she's never said that, let alone write it. Then to tell ME! Alyssa came home that day and intimately shared with Brea how much it meant to her and truly made her day.
So Brea believed in love that as she was refreshing someone else God was using me to refresh her. :) Proverbs 11:25A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
It's amazing what walking in the Spirit will do to refresh and inspire those around us. We simply need to listen.
I have felt some opposition, some vulnerability, some tiredness in the past few days that have left me at moments feeling sad. But as I lift my face to my Lord He pours His love upon me like living water and I drink of it and He refreshes me.
If we go to the source, we will not be disappointed. I am reminded of this the past two days and take comfort from Paul's words,
" As a Servant of God, I commend myself to this in every way, in GREAT ENDURANCE, in hardships and distresses, in hard work, in sleepless nights, in patience, in kindness and in sincere love, through glory and dishonor, through good report and bad report, ....sorrowful yet always rejoicing, poor yet making many rich, having nothing and yet possessing everything. " (2 Cor 6:4-10)
Once again His words remind me that I'm serving our GREAT GOD, and I shall not lose heart. For my treasure, my reward and my welcome from Him, awaits me in heaven.
For Him,
C
By the time, I was finished, the basket probably weighed 30 pounds. And my arms were completely loaded. Of course the lines at Walmart are anything but small and so by the end my circulation is now being cut off in my arm and I can barely stand it but I continue and then I have to carry it all to the car, which is far from close to the door!!
As I'm walking I'm thinking I can barely make it, heels and business suit and then I think about the power of the mind. For if someone had of given me a 30 pound weight and told me to carry it around on my arm for the past 20 minutes, I probably would've given up and changed my mind to use the cart. But instead this weight disguised as a task of necessities seems to be easier to complete. It's really amazing how powerful the mind can paint a 30 pound dumbbell creative enough that I would carry it around.
Thank goodness God doesn't look at me like a weight in which He must carry around. That He doesn't give up on me even when I can be slow, heavy, spilling everywhere, and just a pain in the butt. He doesn't change HIS MIND part way through my slow learning processes. Numbers 23:19God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
When we walk with God daily He invades our lives and teaches us constantly. The quicker we listen, learn and obey, the more He teaches us.
Yesterday I was convicted by own blog to drop off a hot lunch for Brea at school as a surprise. It has been a while since I've done this. I left it at the office with a text to her and a note on it, simply telling her I loved her. She checks her phone often at lunchtime to text me about basketball practises etc but for some reason I didn't get a return text? Very strange. But gave it to God, completely trusting Him and asking that someone didn't steal the burger and fries that I left there.
Still not hearing from her by the evening but knowing she was playing basketball I thought it strange she didn't give us a time to pick her up via text. Wed nights I get into the zone of leading and teaching our Sr. Highs here at the church so she knows if she doesn't get me before she has to wait until the end to be picked up, which she is fine with. Nonetheless I prayed that God would help us logistically with the pick up and that she was okay?
I then, literally 30 min later get a call from another parent who's picking up her son and offered to bring Brea to the church with her!! BOTH Brea and I were so overjoyed for what I found out after she arrived was how she was texting me at lunch to thank me SO MUCH for the lunch when the teacher took away her phone and she couldn't get it back until today. So there was no way she could communicate with me as she didn't even have my new blackberry number memorized. But she too KNOWS after hundreds of lessons, the power of our Daddy. And so she too was asking Him for a way to me. :)
She later that night so excited about the lunch blessing I surprised her with told me she thought it was a direct blessing as she had passed the love on to her new sister that morning. (As God continues to blend our family I am absolutely left in awe how much our 3 kids LOVE each other. They have truly become as best friends. This is a deep prayer of both Roger and mine to Him.)
Alyssa got a new Swipes Binder for Christmas and hadn't used it yet. Brea took it and wrote a note on the front page to say, "I love you Alyssa." wow.... she's never said that, let alone write it. Then to tell ME! Alyssa came home that day and intimately shared with Brea how much it meant to her and truly made her day.
So Brea believed in love that as she was refreshing someone else God was using me to refresh her. :) Proverbs 11:25A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
It's amazing what walking in the Spirit will do to refresh and inspire those around us. We simply need to listen.
I have felt some opposition, some vulnerability, some tiredness in the past few days that have left me at moments feeling sad. But as I lift my face to my Lord He pours His love upon me like living water and I drink of it and He refreshes me.
If we go to the source, we will not be disappointed. I am reminded of this the past two days and take comfort from Paul's words,
" As a Servant of God, I commend myself to this in every way, in GREAT ENDURANCE, in hardships and distresses, in hard work, in sleepless nights, in patience, in kindness and in sincere love, through glory and dishonor, through good report and bad report, ....sorrowful yet always rejoicing, poor yet making many rich, having nothing and yet possessing everything. " (2 Cor 6:4-10)
Once again His words remind me that I'm serving our GREAT GOD, and I shall not lose heart. For my treasure, my reward and my welcome from Him, awaits me in heaven.
For Him,
C
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Overtime Before Timeover
Canada played USA in the finals of the World Cup Junior Hockey tonight. The game extended to overtime. I wonder if you interviewed the team if they would say they played harder in overtime or at the beginning of the game? Even though their bodies are completely spent and they feel exhausted their minds and hearts engage to give it all them have.
Almost like Sudden Death, they play every second to the max. Do we do that in life? Do we look around us at the Tim Hortons or next to our locker? Do we give the best efforts in our assignments, in our listening and conversations to our family members? It is what we are entrusted with to which we are accountable to play full out in. God's not looking for us to be millionaires or invent the world wide web, He simply is desiring that the people and assignments around us are touched and influenced by the best we can give them.
Trust me, I'm often guilty of not giving it my all several times in a day. There are times I miss, or times I completely bomb or blow, BUT I do take the next chance to score, catching up, and tying the game so God gives me the clean slate to play in overtime, full out.
I'll never forget the time my Vice President at TELUS took me aside at our President's Council trip and the second sentence he ever said to me was "So What makes Carrie Simpson so successful?" In haste, shock, fear and a desire to please and impress I responded with "relationships".
Later that night I went to my room and wept for I knew it was God who was blessing me so richly and I didn't want to fear saying that even to someone who didn't know God. I told God then, that I was sincerely sorry and if given the chance again I wouldn't shy away from giving Him all the glory. Indeed this time came again and "YES" I played and scored well in this overtime period for our Lord. :)
God knows we need many chances, we are frail and human. His words to describe us are "mists in His nostrils". (Isaiah 2:22) Or better yet like grass of the fields in which our glory is like flowers. The grass will wither and the flowers fall. (1 Peter 1:24)
Overtime doesn't last long. Neither do the few days that we call "LIFE". Therefore let's be motivated even today to give it all we got. Perhaps a smile, buying someone lunch, surprising someone by shovelling their driveway, waiting an extra 2 minutes to hold the door for the person in the distance, to write a long overdue letter of appreciation to someone who least expects it, throwing on some extra pasta and inviting a lonely, or sad person to join your family for dinner, surprising your kids with a hot lunch from their favorite spot brought to their school, putting a flower in the car or desk of someone special, maybe it's buying an extra coffee and giving it to the homeless guy sitting outside, maybe it's emailing a verse to someone that it reminds you of, the list goes on and on...
King David Wrote:
Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath. (Psalm 39:4,5)
Is it depressing for me to think of life as a breath of overtime?? If King David, who had everything could pen words of such, it will do me well to live LIFE in such a motivated state.
When the Canadian and USA teams went into overtime they KNEW this was it. They played in such a manner.
Today, I shall choose to play as if in OVERTIME.
Overtime vs Timeover.
Almost like Sudden Death, they play every second to the max. Do we do that in life? Do we look around us at the Tim Hortons or next to our locker? Do we give the best efforts in our assignments, in our listening and conversations to our family members? It is what we are entrusted with to which we are accountable to play full out in. God's not looking for us to be millionaires or invent the world wide web, He simply is desiring that the people and assignments around us are touched and influenced by the best we can give them.
Trust me, I'm often guilty of not giving it my all several times in a day. There are times I miss, or times I completely bomb or blow, BUT I do take the next chance to score, catching up, and tying the game so God gives me the clean slate to play in overtime, full out.
I'll never forget the time my Vice President at TELUS took me aside at our President's Council trip and the second sentence he ever said to me was "So What makes Carrie Simpson so successful?" In haste, shock, fear and a desire to please and impress I responded with "relationships".
Later that night I went to my room and wept for I knew it was God who was blessing me so richly and I didn't want to fear saying that even to someone who didn't know God. I told God then, that I was sincerely sorry and if given the chance again I wouldn't shy away from giving Him all the glory. Indeed this time came again and "YES" I played and scored well in this overtime period for our Lord. :)
God knows we need many chances, we are frail and human. His words to describe us are "mists in His nostrils". (Isaiah 2:22) Or better yet like grass of the fields in which our glory is like flowers. The grass will wither and the flowers fall. (1 Peter 1:24)
Overtime doesn't last long. Neither do the few days that we call "LIFE". Therefore let's be motivated even today to give it all we got. Perhaps a smile, buying someone lunch, surprising someone by shovelling their driveway, waiting an extra 2 minutes to hold the door for the person in the distance, to write a long overdue letter of appreciation to someone who least expects it, throwing on some extra pasta and inviting a lonely, or sad person to join your family for dinner, surprising your kids with a hot lunch from their favorite spot brought to their school, putting a flower in the car or desk of someone special, maybe it's buying an extra coffee and giving it to the homeless guy sitting outside, maybe it's emailing a verse to someone that it reminds you of, the list goes on and on...
King David Wrote:
Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath. (Psalm 39:4,5)
Is it depressing for me to think of life as a breath of overtime?? If King David, who had everything could pen words of such, it will do me well to live LIFE in such a motivated state.
When the Canadian and USA teams went into overtime they KNEW this was it. They played in such a manner.
Today, I shall choose to play as if in OVERTIME.
Overtime vs Timeover.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Eagles' Wings
For those that have emailed me asking how the change came from Telus Sales Manager in Toronto, Ontario to Senior High Youth Pastor in Kelowna, BC, I have briefly updated the "About Me" section to help. I'm sure I will write of it more soon.
***
We received a large picture of an eagle as wedding gift from two dear women from Calgary, that has the verse Is 40:31 inscribed on it. It hangs in our bedroom.
Isaiah 40:31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Then at Christmas I got another plaque from another beloved girlfriend in Edmonton with a card that is penned with a significant passage on her heart for me which is in Psalm 91.
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Then yesterday as I'm thinking more on Eric Liddell's life(which I wrote of in yesterday's blog) I find that on the Sunday he was supposed to run in the Olympics he actually preached at a church to which he read, Isaiah 40. The parallels were stirring my Spirit.
So I took all of this together and sat and meditated on the two passages. I hear the song on Friday, by Chris Tomlin "I Will Rise" and my Spirit is moved deeply with it. Take a moment and listen to it after reading this.
It was yesterday that we went to see Avatar. As I sat there watching it, the part I am struck by is the ultimate power that is achieved with the main character when he becomes one with the flying creature and soars and sees things from on high. Near the end he brilliantly is able to get a top of the largest dominating creature in the air becoming one with it and this makes him so powerful. He can go anywhere really.
It then dawns on me the deep power available to us when we mount on the wings of eagles and how that is what God desires for us. Also in Psalm 91 how He becomes that powerful eagle for us that desires to protect us under His wing and shield us by allowing us the freedom to fly but only when we become one with Him.
Now don't get me wrong... this doesn't mean we're going to literally fly through the air, BUT I do believe there is a source of power and strength for those who walk boldly in faith. Who TRUST fully with their lives, in our God. Who HOPE is in HIM alone. He will guard and protect us. I guess the question is do we truly believe that?
And even as they portrayed in Avatar, it wasn't just an easy walk on the plane approach. It was a test and a battle to overcome but when faith risked to fight the evil, to the point of risking one's life (dying to self) it was then that he overcame.
1 John 5:5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvrBQL8swLI
I will rise on eagles' wings.
I believe.
***
We received a large picture of an eagle as wedding gift from two dear women from Calgary, that has the verse Is 40:31 inscribed on it. It hangs in our bedroom.
Isaiah 40:31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Then at Christmas I got another plaque from another beloved girlfriend in Edmonton with a card that is penned with a significant passage on her heart for me which is in Psalm 91.
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Then yesterday as I'm thinking more on Eric Liddell's life(which I wrote of in yesterday's blog) I find that on the Sunday he was supposed to run in the Olympics he actually preached at a church to which he read, Isaiah 40. The parallels were stirring my Spirit.
So I took all of this together and sat and meditated on the two passages. I hear the song on Friday, by Chris Tomlin "I Will Rise" and my Spirit is moved deeply with it. Take a moment and listen to it after reading this.
It was yesterday that we went to see Avatar. As I sat there watching it, the part I am struck by is the ultimate power that is achieved with the main character when he becomes one with the flying creature and soars and sees things from on high. Near the end he brilliantly is able to get a top of the largest dominating creature in the air becoming one with it and this makes him so powerful. He can go anywhere really.
It then dawns on me the deep power available to us when we mount on the wings of eagles and how that is what God desires for us. Also in Psalm 91 how He becomes that powerful eagle for us that desires to protect us under His wing and shield us by allowing us the freedom to fly but only when we become one with Him.
Now don't get me wrong... this doesn't mean we're going to literally fly through the air, BUT I do believe there is a source of power and strength for those who walk boldly in faith. Who TRUST fully with their lives, in our God. Who HOPE is in HIM alone. He will guard and protect us. I guess the question is do we truly believe that?
And even as they portrayed in Avatar, it wasn't just an easy walk on the plane approach. It was a test and a battle to overcome but when faith risked to fight the evil, to the point of risking one's life (dying to self) it was then that he overcame.
1 John 5:5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvrBQL8swLI
I will rise on eagles' wings.
I believe.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Most Important - Soles or Souls?
Yesterday I went for one of the longest runs I think I've ever done, completely unintentional. Is this possible? (I know my husband is laughing as he reads this for he knows it to be true of me. No big plan but a desire to run and be FREE with my God.) I so enjoyed being out and gallivanting in the mild day along the river, looking at snow capped mountains and a clear still lake in the distance. I loved just talking with God and pondering things of this year that I had lost track of time and distance. My body started to signal to me that I'd been running for a while for my hamstrings we getting pretty tight which rarely happens. I didn't look at my watch until the very end. Even now I'm trying to map quest my distance to give you and accurate reading but all I can say is it was over 35 km.
Those of you that are aware of my running style know that I don't really keep track or train with any human facilitating but rather just run freely.
Interesting lesson observed in this time though, as I had a blister before I even started from my run the day before. I was wearing a different pair of shoes that day causing unknown pressure in a snug area that created a painful blister. But that didn't stop me. Frustrating and incredibly painful for the first 2 km... but then as my foot numbed itself, so did the pain and it wasn't realized again until I took my sock off.
Also my Bose headphones seemed to have only one ear at full volume, the other so faint you couldn't hear anything really. ?? Just imagine how annoying this is going to be with music in one ear. Again so frustrating for about 3 km then, I got used to it and by the end didn't notice.
My run changed from snowy gravel wet icy trail to pavement about half way through. Initially when first running on the icy trail I couldn't run with the same aggressive manner, given the chance of slipping. I had to place my feet more delicately. For the first km again, this was frustrating and took some adjusting but after that I got into the rhythm again. The same was true of the reverse, in that my feet and legs had to adjust to the new traction when I immersed to the payment again. Taking about another km to roll back into this grove and regaining a smooth stride.
As I'm pondering all of this, I can tell He has a different lesson to teach me that will take me deeper.
You see Carrie, even things that aren't comfortable initially can be worn down to feel normal once you are in it for a while. This can be a good thing, but also a bad thing. Be mindful of it. For when you are in the wrong culture, company, or situation, though it may initially feel wrong if you don't follow through on that conviction to remove yourself it will be dulled down in time to feel normal.
Here's an example: Do you feel convicted around a certain friend because their views, morales, standards, the way they value their education, or just float through athletic/musical training, the way they foolishly spend money, all of these habits, even the way they speak? Be careful for eventually they'll begin to wear off on you the more you are around them. You also won't notice it as much as you did the first time.
Our conscience is such a gift to us. Paul reminds us that if it becomes dull or seared it won't be any good to feel with sensitivity, the things that are best for your life.
1 Timothy 4:2 Hypocritical liars are those whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
Titus 1:15To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.
We must do what we can to be careful to not let down our guard that are our driven desires or bench mark of values become watered down to feel normal, especially by the influences around us. From friends to family, boyfriends, girlfriends, to peers, to work places, to entertainment sources, to where you sit in the classroom or at lunch, etc...etc... all will indirectly influence us for good or bad.
Proverbs 13:20He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
This year make the right choices to surround yourself with good influences that will inspire and bring the best out in you. It's a choice you can make.
1 Corinthians 15:33Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
God inspires me even this morning, as I look to Him for divine inspiration in my life. I am reminded of the story of Eric Liddell and how he would run only to honor His God to the point of not even running on the Sunday of the actual Olympics that he had trained for. (He chose never to run on Sundays to honor His God and the desire He has for us to have a day of rest, even for our bodies.) The world thought He was crazy!! He opted to trade the 100m and run a 400m race instead a few days later, and won it. Though people made fun of his training regiment, style, etc. he simply enjoyed running. He is known for His quote, "When I run, I feel HIS(God's) pleasure." I am inspired in this even today for this completely echoes my heart even in my run yesterday. I simply find joy in it and I can feel His oneness and pleasure in such a deep way.
I do desire above all, and hence the time put in sharing this blog, to HONOR God. If that means He wants me to run for Him one day, I'll be open to it. For this summer He prompted me to run my first half marathon, to which my lack of detailed training routine left me in awe of the standings. I've included the link so you testify to the truth.
http://www2.canada.com/westerly/news/story.html?id=caa8fbf9-9675-4928-a2a4-f9dac4e8ad0c
But MOST important to me is running the race of life well. To inspire and motivate those around me to run together keeping our eyes fixed on the prize. Therefore let's run surrounded with Good Company, that together we'll inspire each other to give it all we got!!
1 Corinthians 9:24, Hebrews 12:1 It will be a great start to look these up in your bible, underline them, put them on post its, etc. :)
Those of you that are aware of my running style know that I don't really keep track or train with any human facilitating but rather just run freely.
Interesting lesson observed in this time though, as I had a blister before I even started from my run the day before. I was wearing a different pair of shoes that day causing unknown pressure in a snug area that created a painful blister. But that didn't stop me. Frustrating and incredibly painful for the first 2 km... but then as my foot numbed itself, so did the pain and it wasn't realized again until I took my sock off.
Also my Bose headphones seemed to have only one ear at full volume, the other so faint you couldn't hear anything really. ?? Just imagine how annoying this is going to be with music in one ear. Again so frustrating for about 3 km then, I got used to it and by the end didn't notice.
My run changed from snowy gravel wet icy trail to pavement about half way through. Initially when first running on the icy trail I couldn't run with the same aggressive manner, given the chance of slipping. I had to place my feet more delicately. For the first km again, this was frustrating and took some adjusting but after that I got into the rhythm again. The same was true of the reverse, in that my feet and legs had to adjust to the new traction when I immersed to the payment again. Taking about another km to roll back into this grove and regaining a smooth stride.
As I'm pondering all of this, I can tell He has a different lesson to teach me that will take me deeper.
You see Carrie, even things that aren't comfortable initially can be worn down to feel normal once you are in it for a while. This can be a good thing, but also a bad thing. Be mindful of it. For when you are in the wrong culture, company, or situation, though it may initially feel wrong if you don't follow through on that conviction to remove yourself it will be dulled down in time to feel normal.
Here's an example: Do you feel convicted around a certain friend because their views, morales, standards, the way they value their education, or just float through athletic/musical training, the way they foolishly spend money, all of these habits, even the way they speak? Be careful for eventually they'll begin to wear off on you the more you are around them. You also won't notice it as much as you did the first time.
Our conscience is such a gift to us. Paul reminds us that if it becomes dull or seared it won't be any good to feel with sensitivity, the things that are best for your life.
1 Timothy 4:2 Hypocritical liars are those whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
Titus 1:15To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.
We must do what we can to be careful to not let down our guard that are our driven desires or bench mark of values become watered down to feel normal, especially by the influences around us. From friends to family, boyfriends, girlfriends, to peers, to work places, to entertainment sources, to where you sit in the classroom or at lunch, etc...etc... all will indirectly influence us for good or bad.
Proverbs 13:20He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
This year make the right choices to surround yourself with good influences that will inspire and bring the best out in you. It's a choice you can make.
1 Corinthians 15:33Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
God inspires me even this morning, as I look to Him for divine inspiration in my life. I am reminded of the story of Eric Liddell and how he would run only to honor His God to the point of not even running on the Sunday of the actual Olympics that he had trained for. (He chose never to run on Sundays to honor His God and the desire He has for us to have a day of rest, even for our bodies.) The world thought He was crazy!! He opted to trade the 100m and run a 400m race instead a few days later, and won it. Though people made fun of his training regiment, style, etc. he simply enjoyed running. He is known for His quote, "When I run, I feel HIS(God's) pleasure." I am inspired in this even today for this completely echoes my heart even in my run yesterday. I simply find joy in it and I can feel His oneness and pleasure in such a deep way.
I do desire above all, and hence the time put in sharing this blog, to HONOR God. If that means He wants me to run for Him one day, I'll be open to it. For this summer He prompted me to run my first half marathon, to which my lack of detailed training routine left me in awe of the standings. I've included the link so you testify to the truth.
http://www2.canada.com/westerly/news/story.html?id=caa8fbf9-9675-4928-a2a4-f9dac4e8ad0c
But MOST important to me is running the race of life well. To inspire and motivate those around me to run together keeping our eyes fixed on the prize. Therefore let's run surrounded with Good Company, that together we'll inspire each other to give it all we got!!
1 Corinthians 9:24, Hebrews 12:1 It will be a great start to look these up in your bible, underline them, put them on post its, etc. :)
Friday, January 1, 2010
2010 Essential
As the clock struck 12 midnight on the eve to 2010, I had the pleasurable privilege of gallivanting across a snow laden golf course to find a specific spot in which I joined with 14 other deeply connected friends, Styrofoam cups in hand, to ring in the New Year together. We join together amidst the greatest acoustics around to hear divine peace and tranquility amongst the mountains and towering pine trees. Having run to the middle of the field we catch our breath and collectively sing a song united in thankfulness to our Creator. We then join our hearts together to not only thank Him for a great 2009, but ask for His direction, leading and blessing in 2010. All of us have come to realize and with joy, declare our God does and will continue to bestow on us the best, if we will simply listen and obey.
Psalm 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
I feel an unbelievable peace settle amongst us as a group even in the middle of the great outdoors at midnight.
This small group of intimate friends have become such a pivotal part of the leadership team God is at work building, to further His kingdom, especially with this younger generation. As I look around at each of them, I am so incredibly thankful for each of them, and how together, our diversity of gifts is celebrated as we create a powerful unified team. It's nothing comparable to the world of corporate teams, though that can be so greatly rewarding too! But rather this group is devoted to helping young people truly find the Joy of Life. Almost as if we are a bunch of little "Life Coaches." It is this group, that I would fight with all I had, for the very essence of life with.
I am so thankful for each of them. And even above myself and my dreams for 2010 I so look forward to witnessing God fulfilling some of theirs over the course of this year. For even in 2009 I have come to witness many of my prayers for them already answered. Amazing. BUT we must wait on Him. It's His timing that is perfect, for unfortunately we are quite impatient people. And we all know that's when things get messed up.
Isaiah 64:4Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
Waiting simply moves, I'm not moving in haste or my own freewill or selfishness but rather trusting God to know what is best for me. I'll tell you after truly getting to know Him intimately these past 9 years, I have such great joy and peace to willfully and longingly give Him this year. I can hardly wait to see what He has in store. :)
My God is full of fun, love, surprises and joy! But He wants to get us to that place of freedom first. Unfortunately it took me longer than many, but now I have full benefits!
Get to KNOW Him, this year. From there you will learn to trust Him and not simply when it's convenient. That's not trust. that's selfishness. I know, because I've been there. Sad but true. And trust takes brutal honesty. The kind that refreshes afterwards.
I have many dreams for 2010, too many too list for you, but be rest assured they have been well spoken of in detail between God and I. There are some priorities I have come to genuinely adore. Putting God first is essential.
Psalm 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
I feel an unbelievable peace settle amongst us as a group even in the middle of the great outdoors at midnight.
This small group of intimate friends have become such a pivotal part of the leadership team God is at work building, to further His kingdom, especially with this younger generation. As I look around at each of them, I am so incredibly thankful for each of them, and how together, our diversity of gifts is celebrated as we create a powerful unified team. It's nothing comparable to the world of corporate teams, though that can be so greatly rewarding too! But rather this group is devoted to helping young people truly find the Joy of Life. Almost as if we are a bunch of little "Life Coaches." It is this group, that I would fight with all I had, for the very essence of life with.
I am so thankful for each of them. And even above myself and my dreams for 2010 I so look forward to witnessing God fulfilling some of theirs over the course of this year. For even in 2009 I have come to witness many of my prayers for them already answered. Amazing. BUT we must wait on Him. It's His timing that is perfect, for unfortunately we are quite impatient people. And we all know that's when things get messed up.
Isaiah 64:4Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
Waiting simply moves, I'm not moving in haste or my own freewill or selfishness but rather trusting God to know what is best for me. I'll tell you after truly getting to know Him intimately these past 9 years, I have such great joy and peace to willfully and longingly give Him this year. I can hardly wait to see what He has in store. :)
My God is full of fun, love, surprises and joy! But He wants to get us to that place of freedom first. Unfortunately it took me longer than many, but now I have full benefits!
Get to KNOW Him, this year. From there you will learn to trust Him and not simply when it's convenient. That's not trust. that's selfishness. I know, because I've been there. Sad but true. And trust takes brutal honesty. The kind that refreshes afterwards.
I have many dreams for 2010, too many too list for you, but be rest assured they have been well spoken of in detail between God and I. There are some priorities I have come to genuinely adore. Putting God first is essential.
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