I'm just too excited. I lay in bed just going over all the awesome things that God is allowing me to see. It is like an awakening to His power.
I realized this weekend that no matter where I go, I am joining in the work that God is already doing. Not everyone I get to talk to is ready to give their lives over to Jesus, but every person I talk to is somewhere in the process of rejecting or accepting Him. I find it exciting to be allowed to be a part of that. It is sad to see some forging a path to Hell...but those that we encounter whose hearts are open to Christ's saving work cause pure delight in my heart.
I want to ask you to pray for a special woman that God has brought into my families path recently. If I could share with you all that this woman has been through, it would truly break your heart. You might even be tempted to ask why would God allow such atrocities! God is good and He is working in Bonnie's life ( not her real name) ...to enlighten, to save, to deliver, to comfort, and heal.
Two weekends ago Buddy and our friend John went to visit Bonnie after her grand kids came to the kid's club that we do in a nearby neighborhood. She broke down in her front lawn, confessing her sins right there before God and strangers. She share her desire to turn away from her past and walk a new life with Jesus. She is a drug user and has been clean from meth for 40 days.
This past weekend when we went to visit her she was very suicidal. I know that God is doing great things in her life and that it is Satan's desire to destroy the fruit...but he won't be able. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. I love watching Him do it! I love watching God exalt Himself. Pray for my new sister in Christ.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Oh Great!
This morning my youngest daughter came to lay in bed with me. As we were laying there talking she reached over to play with the skin on my neck. "Mommy", she said with great concern and curiosity in her voice, " is that a double chin?"
"Well,...yes, I guess it is?" is the only reply that I could come up with.
"How old will I be when I get a double chin?", she asked sounding a little more concerned.
"I don't know baby...probably 36?"
Yesterday, I found out that I am a Great Aunt. My eighteen year old nephew made me a
" great" something. All of a sudden I'm feeling even older.
This week my hubby turns 40...so I guess that we are officially growing old together...awwww, just what we vowed to do!
"Well,...yes, I guess it is?" is the only reply that I could come up with.
"How old will I be when I get a double chin?", she asked sounding a little more concerned.
"I don't know baby...probably 36?"
Yesterday, I found out that I am a Great Aunt. My eighteen year old nephew made me a
" great" something. All of a sudden I'm feeling even older.
This week my hubby turns 40...so I guess that we are officially growing old together...awwww, just what we vowed to do!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
A Reaping Season
I've been listening to some audio teachings recently and I am in awe of how God gives to some the wonderful ability to expound on the His Word. I try not to covet their gifts and just be content to work in the gifts and talents that God has given to me.
Even this last Sunday night I was impressed (not with any man's ability), but with how God chooses such simple, weak vessels in which to pour out His power and knowledge. God just dumbfounds me!
I have been listening to some audios that a friend posted from a conference that he and his wife attended this last spring. I am finally coming back into a season in my life where I can once again dedicated larger chunks of time to study and (practical application). I don't want to be a hearer only. Praise the Lord...I thought that I would get lost in those years of diapers and toddler toys...but we are on the other side of that and I am experiencing a season of spiritual feeding!!!
I don't want to seem like I'm saying that there was no refreshment in the years my kids were little.(Don't mean to scare my young mom friends) It just took a lot more organization and discipline than I have naturally. God was very good to help me keep spiritually feed through those years...but it was more of God's drawing than my seeking:). He is so good to be so patient with us.
My only fear in writing this is that it seems fitting to God's great sense of humor that now that I have rejoiced over my new found freedom, that He would have me come up pregnant again. Right Julie!!?
I surrender it...even my womb...besides now I have 3 wonderful babysitters. I'm willing to loan them out to anyone else than needs a time of refreshment and feeding on the Word.
Even this last Sunday night I was impressed (not with any man's ability), but with how God chooses such simple, weak vessels in which to pour out His power and knowledge. God just dumbfounds me!
I have been listening to some audios that a friend posted from a conference that he and his wife attended this last spring. I am finally coming back into a season in my life where I can once again dedicated larger chunks of time to study and (practical application). I don't want to be a hearer only. Praise the Lord...I thought that I would get lost in those years of diapers and toddler toys...but we are on the other side of that and I am experiencing a season of spiritual feeding!!!
I don't want to seem like I'm saying that there was no refreshment in the years my kids were little.(Don't mean to scare my young mom friends) It just took a lot more organization and discipline than I have naturally. God was very good to help me keep spiritually feed through those years...but it was more of God's drawing than my seeking:). He is so good to be so patient with us.
My only fear in writing this is that it seems fitting to God's great sense of humor that now that I have rejoiced over my new found freedom, that He would have me come up pregnant again. Right Julie!!?
I surrender it...even my womb...besides now I have 3 wonderful babysitters. I'm willing to loan them out to anyone else than needs a time of refreshment and feeding on the Word.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Nothing Stays Hidden
Tonight our Lifegroup met at our home. ( Topic: Humility). I was not too stressed out about cleaning because:
a) I have already announced my philosophy about my house and guest, "If you come to visit me you are welcome anytime . If you come to see my house, please make an appointment.
b) I just had a large party on Sat. so the house was mostly clean.
c) I have just gotten more relaxed around my friends. I want to be real. The truth is we are real messy!
So with that being said, I shut and lock the door of our very messy bedroom.
Later that evening after everyone else had left our good friends Julie and Kenneth stayed behind to visit. While their sons and my daughters were playing , my eldest decides that six rooms isn't enough for her treasure hunt and that it is nessesary to include our bedroom in their game! Unbeknown st to me, the children were playing pirates in our bedroom. While at play one of the boys had a seizure ( Which has become common place to this family and a true struggle. Pray for them.)
We all end up gathering in OUR ROOM to watch this little boy seize.
I write this for two reasons: I ask you to pray for Julie's son who continues to deal with these seizures. This is the second that I have witnessed and it is so hard to imagine the stress and concern that they go through as parents. It is hard to watch as a friend...I can't imagine what goes on in their minds as they watch their baby seize and turn blue.
The other thing that I was thinking tonight after my bout with embarrassment over the exposure of my husband's dirty clothes (undies included) is that we think sometimes that we can hide the sinful areas of our lives from others. It reminded me of that scripture that talks about how Christ will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make known the motives of our hearts.(1 Corn. 4:5) There is nothing that will remain unexposed when we face Christ. It will all be brought to light. I pray for God's help to live in a way that would not bring shame to myself or to the one I call Lord.
" For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; or hid, that will not be known.
What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the secret will be proclaimed from the roofs. "(Luke 12:2-3)
Dirty clothes aside, I hope that you allow the Lord to reveal the hidden "dirty areas" of your life now so that they can be made clean and useful for Him. I would hate to have them expose and shouted from rooftops, later...HOW EMBARRASSING!
P.s. Remember to pray for Julie, Kenneth and there son.
a) I have already announced my philosophy about my house and guest, "If you come to visit me you are welcome anytime . If you come to see my house, please make an appointment.
b) I just had a large party on Sat. so the house was mostly clean.
c) I have just gotten more relaxed around my friends. I want to be real. The truth is we are real messy!
So with that being said, I shut and lock the door of our very messy bedroom.
Later that evening after everyone else had left our good friends Julie and Kenneth stayed behind to visit. While their sons and my daughters were playing , my eldest decides that six rooms isn't enough for her treasure hunt and that it is nessesary to include our bedroom in their game! Unbeknown st to me, the children were playing pirates in our bedroom. While at play one of the boys had a seizure ( Which has become common place to this family and a true struggle. Pray for them.)
We all end up gathering in OUR ROOM to watch this little boy seize.
I write this for two reasons: I ask you to pray for Julie's son who continues to deal with these seizures. This is the second that I have witnessed and it is so hard to imagine the stress and concern that they go through as parents. It is hard to watch as a friend...I can't imagine what goes on in their minds as they watch their baby seize and turn blue.
The other thing that I was thinking tonight after my bout with embarrassment over the exposure of my husband's dirty clothes (undies included) is that we think sometimes that we can hide the sinful areas of our lives from others. It reminded me of that scripture that talks about how Christ will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make known the motives of our hearts.(1 Corn. 4:5) There is nothing that will remain unexposed when we face Christ. It will all be brought to light. I pray for God's help to live in a way that would not bring shame to myself or to the one I call Lord.
" For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; or hid, that will not be known.
What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the secret will be proclaimed from the roofs. "(Luke 12:2-3)
Dirty clothes aside, I hope that you allow the Lord to reveal the hidden "dirty areas" of your life now so that they can be made clean and useful for Him. I would hate to have them expose and shouted from rooftops, later...HOW EMBARRASSING!
P.s. Remember to pray for Julie, Kenneth and there son.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Free Huggs
If you know my daughters then you have probably been a fortunate recipient of there hugs. Two of them are especially affectionate. I have thought often taking them up to the convalescent home and just letting them hug on the older people.
A brief hug and 10 minutes of handholding with a romantic partner greatly reduce the harmful physical effects of stress, according to a study reported over the weekend at the American Psychosomatic Society meeting here. (Related item: Worry, inactivity impede sleep's health benefits)
Loving contact before a tough day at work "could carry over and protect you throughout the day," says psychologist Karen Grewen with the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Remember to hug your loved ones!
A brief hug and 10 minutes of handholding with a romantic partner greatly reduce the harmful physical effects of stress, according to a study reported over the weekend at the American Psychosomatic Society meeting here. (Related item: Worry, inactivity impede sleep's health benefits)
Loving contact before a tough day at work "could carry over and protect you throughout the day," says psychologist Karen Grewen with the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Remember to hug your loved ones!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Speechless
It is finally happening...I've been left speechless. The other day in a friend's post she asked about when we have been left speechless. I responded that," I am never speechless. I am entirely too talkative to be found without something to say. I have been in awe often, but never speechless." I realized upon self-examination that this is a fault of mine. I should have expected that the Lord would promptly challenge me in this area...and He has.
No less than 3 times this week I have been render speechless! It seems that God has place people who are under such tremendous trials in my path this week. After hearing their stories, I can hardly say anything but that I will pray for them. These women are going through things that I cannot even bear repeating, let alone know how to respond to, except to put my arms around them and pray quietly for them. I can't even find words to ask God for them. I have to leave the interceding to the Holy Spirit. Even my attempts at prayer on their behalf start out like, " Lord I don't understand...I don't know how to pray...Just give them a sense of your presence, comfort and peace."
No less than 3 times this week I have been render speechless! It seems that God has place people who are under such tremendous trials in my path this week. After hearing their stories, I can hardly say anything but that I will pray for them. These women are going through things that I cannot even bear repeating, let alone know how to respond to, except to put my arms around them and pray quietly for them. I can't even find words to ask God for them. I have to leave the interceding to the Holy Spirit. Even my attempts at prayer on their behalf start out like, " Lord I don't understand...I don't know how to pray...Just give them a sense of your presence, comfort and peace."
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Hospitable?
Our subject last week for our Lifegroup study was on hospitality. I have to admit that before I had children I was a hospitable/ party (in Jesus) at the Holt house every night kinda gal. Our house in Mexico was a hub of activity and fellowship to whosoever will.
After the arrival of my children (3), I became much less willing to have people into my home. I no longer had the time to clean it as I once had. I became more selfish with family time and resources and frankly, we were now living in a country/culture that fails miserably at knowing how to live in community with one another. I have definitely taken a step backwards in this area of my life.
In the book, Disciplines of a Godly Man, Hughes comments of the sorry state of our culture's current lack of value for community and friendship. He writes, '"The old adage that 'a man's house is his castle' is coming true today. His castle moat is his front lawn, the drawbridge his driveway, and the portcullis his automatic garage door through which he passes with electronic heraldry. Once inside, he removes his armor and attends to the house and hearth until daybreak, when he assumes his executive armament and, briefcase in hand, mounts his iron steed...presses the button, and rides of to the wars."
I am thankful that the Holy Spirit is challenging me in this very neglected area of my life.
Today hospitality, friendship and community have fallen on hard times. If we are to be all that God wants us to be we must open up and put some holy sweat into building relationships with one another, the unexclusive kinds that are ever growing in depth and number. Christianity is relationship with God, through JesusChrist ,and then spills directly over into relationship with one's neighbor. God's truth are most effectively lived out in relationships.
Share with me a time when you experienced a real sense of hospitality or community?
After the arrival of my children (3), I became much less willing to have people into my home. I no longer had the time to clean it as I once had. I became more selfish with family time and resources and frankly, we were now living in a country/culture that fails miserably at knowing how to live in community with one another. I have definitely taken a step backwards in this area of my life.
In the book, Disciplines of a Godly Man, Hughes comments of the sorry state of our culture's current lack of value for community and friendship. He writes, '"The old adage that 'a man's house is his castle' is coming true today. His castle moat is his front lawn, the drawbridge his driveway, and the portcullis his automatic garage door through which he passes with electronic heraldry. Once inside, he removes his armor and attends to the house and hearth until daybreak, when he assumes his executive armament and, briefcase in hand, mounts his iron steed...presses the button, and rides of to the wars."
I am thankful that the Holy Spirit is challenging me in this very neglected area of my life.
Today hospitality, friendship and community have fallen on hard times. If we are to be all that God wants us to be we must open up and put some holy sweat into building relationships with one another, the unexclusive kinds that are ever growing in depth and number. Christianity is relationship with God, through JesusChrist ,and then spills directly over into relationship with one's neighbor. God's truth are most effectively lived out in relationships.
Share with me a time when you experienced a real sense of hospitality or community?
Monday, July 16, 2007
Overgrown
Saturday we returned from a week long vacation at the beach and pulled into the driveway to be greeted by our terribly overgrown yard. I must clarify that when I write yard, I'm not referring to 500 square feet of Saint Augustine and a token tree or two...I'm talking about two acres of East Texas jungle. I have for 8 years worked feverishly to tame into submission this overgrown piece of land...but it seems to get the best of me and in such a short time!
As is often the case when it comes to my gardens, I am reminded that it is the same with our spiritual lives. We work to keep the flesh under submission to the things of Christ, we weed out that which would be contrary God's plan for our plot. We allow the Holy Spirit to cut and prune in ways that will prove fruitful. But it doesn't take too long of a spiritual vacation for things to get weed ridden, overgrown or just plain wilting for lack of the life giving water of God's Word and tending from the Master's hand.
My prayer for myself and for you is that you would be ever vigilant to allow the Lord to tend to your life and that you will seek after His plan for you, so that you may remain fruitful and well manicured...for His glory. No spiritual vacations here!!
.
As is often the case when it comes to my gardens, I am reminded that it is the same with our spiritual lives. We work to keep the flesh under submission to the things of Christ, we weed out that which would be contrary God's plan for our plot. We allow the Holy Spirit to cut and prune in ways that will prove fruitful. But it doesn't take too long of a spiritual vacation for things to get weed ridden, overgrown or just plain wilting for lack of the life giving water of God's Word and tending from the Master's hand.
My prayer for myself and for you is that you would be ever vigilant to allow the Lord to tend to your life and that you will seek after His plan for you, so that you may remain fruitful and well manicured...for His glory. No spiritual vacations here!!
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