800 Pacos
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Nov 19, 2009 9:13 am
Mood: Forgiven,
64 Views
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My devotional for today, just thought it worthy of sharing.
A Spanish father and son had a falling out, and the son ran away. The father set off to find him, and after months of looking to no avail, he finally put an ad in the Madrid newspaper. It read: "Dear Paco, meet in front of the newspaper office at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I love you. Your father." 800 Pacos showed up to the newspaper office that Saturday, all looking for love and forgiveness from their fathers.
Forgiveness is a difficult concept. Our main point of reference on the subject is how hard it is to forgive someone who has hurt us or a loved one. And because we struggle with forgiving others, we sometimes have a hard time accepting God's forgiveness. But regardless of how we view God's willingness and ability to forgive, He sees us in purity through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, rather than in the filth of our sin.
When we feel like running away from God because our sin is just too great, we have to remember that all is forgiven, He loves us, and He is waiting for us with open arms.
"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you."
Isaiah 44:22 NIV
I wonder what would happen if we saw that ad in our local paper, but the name was changed to Jim or John or Billy, Debbie, Elizabeth, or Suzy, just how many would show up in front of that newspaper office on Saturday???
"Our Savior kneels down and gazes upon the darkest acts of our lives. But rather than recoil in horror, He reaches out in kindness and says, "I can clean that if you want."
Max Lucado
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He Knows You, EVERYTHING About You
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Nov 16, 2009 5:14 am
Mood: Comforted,
112 Views
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I was just reading in Psalms and came across this. Something in my spirit leaped in amazement and thanksgiving. Isn't it comforting to know that Someone knows us, everything about us, even our unmuttered words. He knows us better than we do, He knows our future and holds it securely in His hands. He knows every mistake and every failure, yet loves us in spite of them. What a confidence and a joy I have, that He knows me.
"O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you."
Psalms 139:1-18
No matter where I am, or what I do, no matter how broken my heart may be, no matter how discouraged I may feel, no matter what I am going through, thank God, He knows me and is always with me.
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Mystery Of The Toilet Tissue
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Nov 12, 2009 5:28 am
Mood: Amazed!,
248 Views
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I know, I know, the title seems silly, but this is a serious post, really! lol
Yesterday, it was time to change the toilet tissue roll. I went to my vanity to search for a new roll, but could not find one. I didn't want to have to go all the way to the pantry to get some, so I searched more extensively. Lo and behold, I found a roll way in the back, that has probably been there for months. After pulling it out and replacing the empty cardboard roller, I made an amazing discovery. The old roll was at least one inch wider than the previous roll. And how is that amazing you ask? Well, I've been using the same brand of toilet tissue for years, after a plumber telling me this particular brand was best for being biodegradable.
After my amazing discovery, I went to the pantry to check on the packaging and found that there was just as many sheets per roll as there always was. And, I remember paying the same price I've been used to paying. But, in fact, I was getting less than what I bargained for, the new rolls were one inch smaller in width. In reality, I was paying just as much, for less product.
What a wonderful marketing strategy! So subtle in its manifestation, and had I not had the old roll to compare to, I may have never noticed that I was getting ripped off. (no pun intended, lol)
Of course, having an illogical mind, this incident led me to consider how subtle the strategies of our enemy, keeping us too busy, whispering lies into our thoughts for contemplation, and regularly presenting problems, stresses, and issues that keep us from what we should be doing. How skillful and tactful he can be, trying to get us off-track, using others to offend us and distract us. Perhaps today, we should all examine our toilet tissue a bit more carefully and assess whether we should take a closer look and do an honest comparison of where we are and where we should be.
What do you think?
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Drinking Poison And Waiting To Die
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Nov 11, 2009 5:49 am
Mood: Freely & Truly Forgiving,
254 Views
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Most of us have heard the old addage about unforgiveness: "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping your enemy will die." In other words, resentment doesn't hurt the offender—it hurts the one who won't forgive; they are the one who is held captive by the offense. Intellectually, many times we think we have forgiven those who have hurt us, but spiritually, the offense is ever present in our thoughts, our words, and our behavior, perhaps unconsciously, but there just the same.
I learned this lesson well after being raped many years ago. In my mind, I had forgiven, but it was only a mental process and I was only deluding myself, the residual effects were still there. For 20 years following the offense, I had nightmares and fear on a regular basis. What I discovered was that I hadn't TRULY forgiven and the evidence of that was obvious in my life. After TRULY forgiving, the nightmares went away, as did the fear.
And what's happening to you all that time that you refuse to forgive? Katherine Piderman, Ph.D., staff chaplain of the Mayo Clinic, says that the following are impacted by whether we choose to forgive or not: blood pressure, stress, hostility, anger, heart rate, possible alcohol or drug abuse, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, relationships, spiritual life, and psychological life. All of these aspects of life get worse while we "wait for the other person to die," but they get better when we forgive.
"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32
There are literally hundreds of scriptures concerning forgiveness, most of us are familiar with them, however many forgive only intellectually. You can see the resentment in their words, the bitterness continues to rear its ugly head, and the animosity remains towards the offender. If you have truly forgiven, the pain of the offense not only subsides, but you wish your offender well, pray for them, and NOT speak ugly of them on a continuing basis.
The New Testament reinforces the following idea about forgiveness: It is basically hypocritical for Christians who have been forgiven by God not to forgive others. Indeed, we are to forgive others as often as God forgives us (Matthew 6:14-15, 18:21-22).
NOT my words, but Jesus' words. If you are waiting for someone in your life to feel the effects of your resentment, here's a better plan: Forgive them and be set free—just as God has forgiven you. If you think you have forgiven, but your thoughts and words still reflect the resentment, ask God to help you to forgive, you'll be praying according to His will and He will help you!
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Little Round Church Signs-Everyone Should Have One!
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Nov 9, 2009 6:37 am
Mood: Getting a round TUIT!,
215 Views
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I came across this little tidbit and thought it was worthy of sharing. Some years ago, a church gave out little round buttons to be pinned to one's shirt. They displayed only one word: TUIT. When asked, the wearer explained, "It's a round tuit. When it comes to serving the Lord in church, I'm finally getting a round ‘tuit.'" Everyone got the point, and soon the unfilled roles and tasks in the church were fully staffed. What a neat reminder of the following scripture:
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10 NIV
The next verse states: "If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it in the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 4:11
Too often we expect someone else to take care of the widows and orphans, minister to the brokenhearted, or sort out the benevolent closet. But joy comes as we worship and work together in the Body of Christ according to the grace God has given. We ALL have a part to do. It's time for us to get a round tuit. Jesus is glorified when we give up ourselves and defer to others. Additionally, we end up feeling better for doing it.
Are you getting a round TUIT?
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Why I Can't Stand Certain Members Here!!!
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Nov 8, 2009 9:06 am
Mood: Experimenting,
358 Views
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Now that I have your attention, I have just one question to ask. Why are people ALWAYS drawn to the negative blog titles full of strife and contention? This is an experiment in human nature, to see just how many views this post will get.
It was such a wonderful Saturday! I had a few hours with nothing to do and was able to read some blogs, for the first time in a long time. Boy, was I blessed! There were some very good and edifying posts yesterday. Then, I come back today and find that all the good posts received low viewership and the negative, contentious ones got all the views. It reminds me of a car accident and how many other car accidents occur because of looky-loos, you know, the ones that strain their necks to be able to see all the gory details and end up in a wreck themselves.
Sometimes, it seems the same way here, many whose lives are in a wreck continue to feed upon all the junk that keeps that ball rollin, then wonder why it is they have no peace. I understand that this is predominantly a dating website, but we have some really talented, knowledgeable people here, offering words of wisdom and instruction, for our edification and encouragement, and most would rather fill their spirits up with all the dirt.
Donny (Its all changing) wrote an excellent blog yesterday, Have you ever felt the love God has for His Creation? and Richard's (Caring in Action) was very thought-provoking Reality Can Be Too Painful. Gismo2 made a very good post Does God Accept Negotiations in Prayer? and so did funlikeable 100 posts Anniversary. tell me your favorite chapter.. Marianna (philopatir) wrote two that were excellent reminders Christian life-2 and snowglimmer posted a wonderful prayer. [post 158763] These are but a few of the edifying blogs we can find here on any given day, yet these all had less than 50 views while other more attention-grabbing posts received over 250 views. How sad!
If your life's a wreck, your soul is dying, and your spirit is weak, fill yourself up on the food that will nurture and feed you good things. Even if your spirit is strong and you're peaceful and contented, why not feed upon the good fruit that's available to bless you? And commend those who make an effort to be a blessing. Just a thought that I had today for your consideration.
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I Am Truly Blessed By Each Of You Here At BC, Yes, Even You!!!
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Nov 7, 2009 8:03 am
Mood: Thankful for YOU!,
337 Views
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My wonderful BigChurch family,
Thank you for all of your prayers and warm wishes, thank you for reading the things I write, day in and day out, thank you for offering me encouragement, love, and laughter for the last 2 1/2 years. These things are seeds that you have sown into my life, making you my extended family. Although some would disagree, I consider you to be family if you have made Jesus the Lord of your life and believe and practice the same Bible I do. And just like any family, there's always some disfunction, lol. Just like any family, there's bound to be squabbles, do you know any families that don't?
Regardless of the fighting, regardless of the differing opinions and interpretations, regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey, I love you all! You have blessed and influenced my life in many ways. There are so many different parts here in this place. Some feel called to rebuke and chastise, some are called to teach and advance the Word, some are called to edify and encourage, some feel led to intercede, and others are called to lead and guide. Regardless of your part, we are all one body, brothers and sisters in Jesus, and called for a purpose.
So, irrespective of your particular calling, I just wanted to tell you that I love you today and I pray for you often, sometimes generally and sometimes specifically, sometimes by name and sometimes by group. God put each of you across my path for a purpose, my extended family, and it's my goal and ambition to be a blessing to you all, in some way. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your lives. May God bless you with the desires of your hearts and His perfect Will in your life, in Jesus Name, Amen!
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Applying For A $1.43 Million Grant!
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Nov 6, 2009 5:20 am
Mood: Excited!,
271 Views
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God is so awesome about preparing us for what He has called us to do. Being in business for over 20 years, I've always dealt strictly with for-profit corporations. But, in the year 2000, God sent me a non-profit organization to do payroll and taxes for. I didn't know the first thing about non-profits, so I had to spend hours researching all of the implications. Then, He gave me another and another. By the time I started my ministry, in 2005, I was experienced with being able to administer a non-profit. That's what you call on-the-job training, lol.
When I first set it up, I had no clue as to how to set up a 501(c)3 organization. But, the Holy Spirit led me through every question on the 50-page application to the IRS, provided us with the $500 filing fee, and we received our non-profit status well ahead of the anticipated time frame. Little did I know that my education would continue.
Next, my Board asked me to begin to apply for grants, for funding we so desperately needed. Well, I had no experience writing grants! But, after considerable prayer and research, I was awarded my first grant of $25,000. So, I wrote another for $60,000 and got it. The next year I applied for another for $68,000 and got it. This year, I applied for one for $20,000 and we just received the check last week. Isn't God amazing?
Yesterday, my Director showed me a grant available from the US Homeless Coalition for $1.43 million, and asked me to apply. All of a sudden, I felt intimidated and less than confident. I suggested we consult with a professional grant writer, after all, the stakes were so high and what if I didn't get it right? The "what if's" continued to bombard my thinking. What if I didn't file it correctly, what if I left out pertinent information, what if I wasn't eloquent enough, what if, what if?
In a quiet, but assured voice, my Director said to me, "Terrie, God has been with you and this organization from the beginning. He has led us and guided us through the doors He wanted us to walk through, He has taught us all the things we didn't know, and He has given us favor with all people. What would make you think He'd fail us now?"
I'll be applying for that grant and God willing, we'll get a piece of that pie to help the women in our program. I remember the wise words of a preacher I like, she says, "What God orders, He pays for" and that certainly has been the case in my experience. And what you don't know how to do, He'll give you on-the-job training, because He knows ALL things you'll have need of. I will praise His Name forever!
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How Timely!
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Nov 5, 2009 4:55 am
Mood: Meditating on Him!,
309 Views
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This was my devotional today and God spoke to me through it. He said it's OK to grieve over the sorrows in our life, but not to leave that door open too long, because the enemy will come slithering in. Today, I will meditate on His Word and His goodness! Hallelujah
Thinking About God
"I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways."
Psalm 119:15
Recommended Reading
Psalm 1:1-3
The American Heritage Dictionary says to meditate is to "reflect on; contemplate." How did such a simple idea become so scary to most Christians today? It's because of the influence of Eastern religions that use meditating on a specific word or thought as a way to empty the mind; to move beyond object-oriented thinking to a deeper state of awareness or reality. Ironically, in Scripture, meditation is always focused on something or Someone—a filling of the mind, not an emptying.
In the Old Testament we find Scripture to be the most consistent object of meditation-Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; 119:48. But Old Testament saints meditated on God-Psalm 63:6 and His majesty- Psalm 145:5, the works of God-Psalm 77:12, and God's name- Malachi 3:16. And in the New Testament we are exhorted to meditate on things that are "true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report"-Philippians 4:8, as well as on "sound doctrine and the spiritual gifts of God"-1 Timothy 4:15-16. Psalm 1:1-3 perhaps says it best: "the primary characteristic of a godly person is that he or she meditates "day and night" on "the law of the Lord."
The more we contemplate the truth of God, the more our lives will reflect the Author of that truth.
Meditate on the Word in the Word.
Today, I am caused to reflect on Philippians 4:15-16 and choosing to meditate on the true, noble, lovely, good report of God, rather than my circumstances and praise His Name for eternity!
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When They Say Goodbye...
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Nov 4, 2009 4:36 am
Mood: Sorrowful,
377 Views
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Saying "Goodbye" to loved ones, for an extended period of time, has to be the hardest thing for a person to do. We seem to take for granted sometimes, having our loved ones present in our lives, on a daily basis. My son and I share a very close bond as each other was all we had, for most of his life. Then, he met a wonderful girl and got married. Well, I didn't feel like I'd lost him, rather I felt like I was gaining a daughter, as Kim is the most loving, kind, and thoughtful girl my son could have chosen, and I've always shared in their joy. We've done so many things together, in the course of their 10-year marriage, including being present for the birth of my two grandchildren. What a blessing it has been to be a part of them, to watch them grow up, and partake of their lives.
But, now my son has informed me that he's taking his family and moving to Kentucky. It appears that this move will happen very soon. I felt like my heart was ripped from my chest and it was difficult to stop the tears, my next breath didn't seem to come. Of course, I understand their dilemma, Kim was laid off from her job, my son's hours were cut, and there's very little prospect for work here in our area. They're going to have to leave their house behind, along with family and friends. My son's been offered a job at a prison, making a good salary, with benefits, including health insurance for his family. Kim's parents live there and are offering them their 4-bedroom home, so that they can downsize for their retirement.
So, you'd think I would be happy for them, right? You'd think that in wanting the best for your children, I'd feel blessed that they'll be able to do better there, right? That I'd be glad to have my grandkids get to know and love their other grandparents, right? That I'd be willing to accept that this is God's plan for their future, right?
WRONG!!! When they say goodbye, it will be the hardest day of my life. When they say goodbye, I won't feel blessed or joyful. When they say goodbye, a part of me will go with them and I don't know if I will feel complete again. They've been such an important part of my every day that something will always seem to be missing. When they say goodbye, even God's perfect Will for them won't console me. I dread for that day to come, although I know it is, and very soon. I covet your prayers.
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