Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Jesus calms the storm

"On the same day, when evening had come, He (Jesus) said to them (His disciples), 'Let us cross over to the other side.' Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was.  And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.  But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?' Then He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea 'Peace, be still!' and the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, 'Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?'  And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, 'Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?'"  Mark 4: 35-41
 
Today I attending a seminar at BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). 
 
Side note for just a minute...if you are looking to get involved in a Bible study look into BSF.  They have classes for women, men and kiddos and it is an international organization.  So no matter where you live or your age they have something for you.  I have learned so much this year studying Genesis.  Here is the link http://www.bsfinternational.org/ .
 
Ok back to the seminar.  The seminar was on how to lead a small group Bible study.  During the seminar we broke up into groups and read different Bible passages.  The above was one of our groups passages.  I have read these verses before and hear others teach on them and I learned something new today.  I just love how God teaches me something new everytime I read His Word!  One of the group members pointed out that there were other boats in the water.  I had never paid attention to that fact before.  She equated this to our storms in life.  There are others around us, but the one we should go to for help is Jesus. 
 
I told the boys what I learned and Jackson said," it is like when you can't open something and you ask all your friends and they can't the best person to ask for help is the teacher."  He got it!
 
The answer to our storms of life is JESUS!  The best person to ask for help is JESUS!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Shower Revelation

While in the shower last night I finally got what the Lord has been trying to teach me for some time now.  The Lord has brought me many different times to the point of I can't do ______ (be a good mom, wife, friend, teacher, etc.).  Each time I pray asking for things to get better and for me to be able to figure it out.  I talk to Josh and close friends about it and read books or articles on the topic.   The situation may improve, but not for long.  So, last night as I was standing in my hot steamy shower praying and crying it hit me; STOP TRYING TO DO IT YOURSELF!  I know in my heart this truth of letting God have control of your life and have likely given this advise to others, but I have not be living it out in my own life.  I realized I have been seeking to have my needs and desires filled by human relationships and worldly standards.  I know and believe that God is the only one who can satsify my needs, but I have not been living in that truth. 

Lord,

Please forgive me feeling unloved when You show your love daily to me through nature and human relationships.  Forgive me for seaching for guidance from Your Word, but not using it in my life.  Forgive me for leading when I should be following.  Lord, remind me each and everyday to let You make the plans and I will just do the work You put before me.

Amen.

After getting out of the shower and laying in bed for a time the Lord put this verse on my heart, which I will be memorizing and storing away in my heart to pull out when I get to the point of I can't.

...My grace is sufficient for you, for My strenght is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Thankful !


Lord, thank you for the beauty and colors of Your flowers even when I can't breath. 
 
God is continually teaching me ". . .in everything give thanks. . ."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17
 
So today in the mist of a headache and sore throat due to pollen I am thankful :)
 
 

My sweet hubby picked these for me while at the farm.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Little Red Bird

This morning as I was on my jog I kept seeing this little red bird. 
 
Now, running is a stress reliever for me.  I thoroughly enjoy a good run.  What makes it even better is nature and giving thanks to God for the trees, flowers, and animals.  Sometimes I see deer and that is pretty exciting.  Whenever I see a rabbit I have this urge to use a spot light and chase after it :)  Those who grew up in the county can understand, right? 
 
Anyways, back to the little red bird.  This little red bird was flying ahead of me darting in and out of the trees.  The last time a saw him another littler brown bird was following behind diving and spinning each way the red bird went.  And I thought this is a great example and reminder of Christ and his followings.  The red bird is Christ and the brown bird represents believers.  I as a believer in Jesus Christ should pursue Christ with all that I am no matter the twist and turns.  I am not to chase after what the world values as important, but what Christ my Redeemer values as important.  When I chase after worldly things it is all about me.  What I have to do, my plans, my effort.  There is no joy in living with all that pressure.  When I chase after God by reading His word, praying and listening it is not about me it is about God and His will, His plan, His power!  And what JOY that brings!
 
"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."  Zechariah 4:6