Treasure

I have been spending the day today cleaning out my closet.
It is NO secret that I Love Shoes.....I am somewhere between 125 and 150. Who counts anymore!!
Anyhow, for some reason cleaning the closet has caused me to think about our "earthly" treasures.
I think we all have "stuff" that we can say we treasure.
Some can say they treasure their spouses, children, cars, TV program(s), stamps, tools, clothes, motor cycle, house, SHOES..you name it. We can all put something in that spot.
The problem comes when we put our treasure before our walk with the Lord. OUCH!!
Yea, you did read correctly.
I can put my family before my relationship with the Lord, I can put my love for Shoes before my relationship with the Lord, I can put my love of summer and the fun that those sunny days bring before my relationship with the Lord......YOU fill in the blank.
When you find yourself spending more time chasing down a shoe sale, time with friends, listening to music.....it does not matter what it is. We need to be careful.
The bible has a few scriptures that we need to consider:
Matthew 6:1-34: Talks about praying, our treasure, and Anxiety
Hebrews 10:25: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Our relationship with the Lord is one of "working out" our salvation. We need to search our hearts daily and see if there is anything separating us from what God would desire for perfect communion.
I always want to keep my eyes on the Ultimate Treasure!
Finally, I want to share a song with you that was popular back in the 80's. Some of you might remember it. The title is TREASURE by Gary Chapman. Here are the words:
They say that were your treasure is
There will your heart be also
And your heart stays where you hide your greatest love
Now you can leave that love on earth
Where thieves may steal tomorrow
Or you can take it to
That hiding place above
Where there`s a treasure at the end
Of this narrow road I`m traveling
And it gives me a purpose for my life
Jesus is my treasure
He`s the reason that I am living
And he`s gonna be my reason when I die
So if you`ve been wondering where you are
And where it is you`re going
He`s left a map for you and me to use
Just read the map and follow close
Always walking where it`s showing
You just can`t miss it
It`s way too much to lose
See there`s a treasure at the end
Of this narrow road
I`m traveling
And it gives me a purpose for my life
Jesus is my treasure
He`s the reason that I`m still living
And he`s gonna be my reason when I die

One Goal

It's now the eve of game 6 and there is still ONE GOAL.
Yes, I am talking about the Cavs!
You gotta love those Cavs for knowing that your heart is still pumping and working the way it should. I mean really.........You never know what these guys are going to do until the last 2 min.. Why watch the whole game?
Well, because the journey is all to important.
See, this team started years ago on a basketball court somewhere. Were they stars then???Maybe....but I bet not. They had to make the journey of disappointments and victories to make it to the NBA (even when someone thought they could not). Then there have been years of disappointments....filled with loosing seasons. Yes, there have been stars along the way but none quite like King James.
Then we come to season 2008-2009. They seemed unstoppable at home and were having a storybook season. The critics still said that the Lakers and the Celtics were the best teams in the NBA.
Well, this One Goal team has made the entire country a Witness to their journey.
Life is very much like the Cavs season. There are so many victories but.......let's face it folks....life is filled with disappointments and people who will say: You can't do it!!
The christian walk is a journey also. There is a road that seems right to men but His ways are not our ways.........we need to have ONE GOAL. Are you focused on your goal......Are you focused on the prize?
My life goal is to live a life that honors the Lord in everything I do and say. It's a daily relationship with Christ. It's the ULTIMATE ONE GOAL!!!

Challenge

Challenge: a call to engage in a contest or fight
A call to engage in a contest or fight is one of the definitions to the word challenge.
Have you ever engaged in a challenge?
From the time we are little children, we are offered challenges. I think that most of us would look at a challenge as: sitting up, walking, climbing stairs, running, eating with a fork, playing a sport, cooking, not making the laundry pink, changing a tire, going to work, getting up in the morning, going to church, reading your bible and having devotions........these are just a drop of the challenges that we face in life.
Maybe you are facing the challenge of not having a job or having more month than money. Are you facing the challenge of a teenager who has turned away from the Lord? Some might be facing the health challenge of your life.
Whatever the challenge.....know this day that God was in the future of your life and He knew exactly what you are facing. He is Jehovah!
He is:
JEHOVAH: LORD in our English Bibles (all capitals). Yahweh is the covenant name of God. Occurs 6823 times in the OT First use Gen. 2:4 (Jehovah Elohim). From the verb "to be", havah, similar to chavah (to live), "The Self-Existent One," "I AM WHO I AM" or 'I WILL BE WHO I WILL BE" as revealed to Moses at the burning bush, Ex.3. The name of God, too sacred to be uttered, abbreviated ( . . . . ) or written "YHWH" without vowel points. The tetragrammaton. Josh., Judges, Sam., and Kings use Jehovah almost exclusively. The love of God is conditioned upon His moral and spiritual attributes. (Dan. 9:14; Ps. 11:7; Lev. 19:2; Hab. 1:12). Note Deut. 6:4, 5 known to Jews as the Sh'ma uses both Jehovah and Elohim to indicate one God with a plurality of persons.
JEHOVAH-JIREH: "The Lord will Provide." Gen. 22:14. From "jireh" ("to see" or "to provide," or to "foresee" as a prophet.) God always provides, adequate when the times come.
JEHOVAH-ROPHE: "The Lord Who Heals" Ex. 15:22-26. From "rophe" ("to heal"); implies spiritual, emotional as well as physical healing. (Jer. 30:17, 3:22; Isa. 61:1) God heals body, soul and spirit; all levels of man's being.
JEHOVAH-NISSI: "The Lord Our Banner." Ex. 17:15. God on the battlefield, from word which means "to glisten," "to lift up," See Psalm 4:6.
JEHOVAH-M'KADDESH: "The Lord Who Sanctifies" Lev. 20:8. "To make whole, set apart for holiness."
JEHOVAH-SHALOM: "The Lord Our Peace" Judges 6:24. "Shalom" translated "peace" 170 times means "whole," "finished," "fulfilled," "perfected." Related to "well," welfare." Deut. 27:6; Dan. 5:26; I Kings 9:25 8:61; Gen. 15:16; Ex. 21:34, 22:5, 6; Lev. 7:11-21. Shalom means that kind of peace that results from being a whole person in right relationship to God and to one's fellow man.SHEPHERD: Psa. 23, 79:13, 95:7, 80:1, 100:3; Gen. 49:24; Isa. 40:11.JUDGE: Psa. 7:8, 96:13.
JEHOVAH ELOHIM: "LORD God" Gen. 2:4; Judges 5:3; Isa. 17:6; Zeph. 2:9; Psa. 59:5, etc.
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU "The Lord Our Righteousness" Jer. 23:5, 6, 33:16. From "tsidek" (straight, stiff, balanced - as on scales - full weight, justice, right, righteous, declared innocent.) God our Righteousness.
JEHOVAH-ROHI: "The Lord Our Shepherd" Psa. 23, from "ro'eh" (to pasture).
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH: "The Lord is There" (Ezek. 48:35).
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH: "The Lord of Hosts" The commander of the angelic host and the armies of God. Isa. 1:24; Psa. 46:7, 11; 2 Kings 3:9-12; Jer. 11:20 (NT: Rom. 9:29; James 5:4, Rev. 19: 11-16).
He is God! He will walk with you during your challenge!!!!

Endure

This email came to me from friend.



Endure: To undergo without giving in during hardship

In our lives we go through challenges that are very difficult, and cause pain. Through all our struggles though, we always have the choice to learn from them. When we are faced with the challenges that are thrown our way we can either give up, or we can press through them and allow them to make us stronger. When I think of the word endurance, I think of a ridiculously long path that I am supposed to travel on a scorching hot day. As I look at the journey I am supposed to embark on it is very easy to become discouraged and weary. I have learned that in order to endure the challenges I face I have to learn how to set small goals for myself so I can see my success along the way. If I do not set small goals and see myself accomplishing them then I easily become distracted and depressed by the large task that lies ahead.

Taxes and other things that are out of my league

Have you ever worked on taxes?
Or should I say.....have you ever worked on taxes and you are not an accountant? I HATE THIS STUFF!
Today, I determined in my mind that I was going to give myself a headache and work in preparing our taxes to send to the accountant. No, never mind that most times I really feel like sending him a box full of stuff and tell him to figure it out.......NO....we cannot do that.....because we have to save a dime.
I handle the finances for our ministry and do a pretty good job. I make sure that everyone gets their tithing reports and all that stuff in time and have only had one mistake over the past 7 years but IT's STILL ALL OUT OF MY LEAGUE.
No on to parenting, my wonderful husband and I are trying to raise 2 God fearing, upstanding, polite children and very often feel that.....I'm out of my league.
I serve the 88sq. miles of Chardon Local School District and.....I'm out of my league very often.
I have been married for 13+ years and there are many days that I feel......I'm out of my league.
I have so many wonderful friends and they all add something to my life but there are times......I'm out of my league.
My husband and I serve the body of believers at Chester Christian Center and....I am often out of my league.
I wonder many nights.....What in the WORLD am I going to cook for dinner?....Out of my league.
I try to help my kids with their homework and YOU GUESSED IT........I'm out of my league......even with the 3rd grader.
No all of this can make a person wonder.........What exactly is My League?
I said all that to say........Ladies, do you ever feel "Out of Your League?" Just remember, the following:
1) Take a minute and step back
2) Breath, sit, and have a cup of tea or your favorite drink.
3) Take time to focus
4) Remember that Father accepts us just as we are and........HE IS NEVER........OUT OF OUR LEAGUE!

Age and other things that head south for the winter!!!

This past December, I turned 44 years old. Now you would think that is YOUNG, VIBRANT, AND FULL OF LIFE!!!! HUH!! Some days I think it's more like.....OLD, STUPID, and FORGETFUL!!!
What happens to the brain? Does it go south for the winter like the birds? Does it freeze like the -9 degree temps we have today in NE Ohio? OR does it just get stupid?
I find myself these days making lists and forgetting where I put the list, forgetting to save it on my computer, or just plain forgetting that I made a list. Isn't that a teenage disease also?
I look at the calendar and my household "TO DO" list and am overwhelmed.........what is going on?
I am really enjoying Facebook these days. It has been a wonderful thing to reconnect with friends from those CBC days. It brings back such good memories of when we were all young. Now, you guys all still look great but I wonder if your brain has checked out also? OR maybe it's just that I am old??? What do you think?

His ways are not my ways.......

As I look out the window of my office, I look at a very beautiful setting of glistening snow on the ground and just enough snow to dust the trees and make them sparkle.
We live in a quiet development where people mind their own business and wave every time we pass someone in the street.
Last night we returned home to the news of one of our neighbors had been killed in a tragic accident while promoting a Monster Truck show in Wisconsin.
George Eisenhart was a good man. He was a supportive man in his community and neighborhood. You would see him from time to time at different events quietly supporting his wife and girls.
I cannot begin to imagine what Donna and the girls are feeling today. I am sure that when she begins to work all this out in her mind in the coming weeks and months, the question of WHY? will be asked many times.
I do know that the bible tells us that "His ways are not mine...." How do I figure out how God thinks? Why is He not on my schedule? Why does He allow 2 little girls to grow up without their dad? It's all overwhelming if you think about it.
I also know that when I don't understand His ways the most, I must remind myself that HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT!!
What? That the answer? !! When I reach the point that I understand that God is ALL I need, I finally understand that He fills my life with His grace. He gives strength to me and fills me up like no one else can.
I am praying for Donna and the girls today that God's grace will get them through this time.

Seasons Part 1

Tropical Storm........what's her name? I think it's Fay. Fay is not being a nice girl and she is pounding the beautiful state of Florida today.
I am a girl who would do well living in Florida during hurricane season. I love storms!
My parents have a 3 season room in their home. I love to be at their house when there is a storm. I sit outside and watch the lightening and love watching the storm with all of those windows. Crazy.......don't you think?
There have been times in my life when it's been Hurricane Season.
Hurricanes are interesting because with all of technology that is available today.........these people STILL cannot tell you exactly when, where, or what a hurricane is going to do.
I have had seasons in life when I did not see the storm coming but have also had seasons when my spirit knew the storm was on the horizon and I did not know the when, where, or what.
Have you ever doubted God in the midst of the storm?
Jesus talks in Matthew 21 about doubting God and having faith. Even in Hurricane Season.
The word says: "Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done."
Speak to your mountain (hurricane) and speak in the name of Jesus. There is no other that can calm the storms of life.
And remember that Hurricane Season only lasts for a while. The SON (sun) will shine again into your life and the winds will subside.

What is going on!!!

I got the following email today:
JOIN AARP Today and get free Travel Kit.

What is that about? I understand Junk email but since when am I old enough to be sent a AARP email. Can you say Sr. Citizen? NO WAY!!
My own husband realized that I was turning 44 this year and found himself in shock.
How old does this man think he is? He is no spring chicken either.
But back to the point.......I am just not old!
Do you think these people know that I just celebrated my 25th Class Reunion?
Yesterday, I went for a little skating party in our front foyer and hit the floor. My whole body hurts today. Allen does not know why........he says that I did not have to far too fall. ABUSE, ABUSE I tell you!
They are all against me. What's wrong with being in your 40's? I thought 40 was the new 30?
Someone should let AARP know that In Style Magazine says I am just hitting my 30's rather than needing AARP.
I know, maybe the people that sent the email about "40 and still hot" should let AARP know that
tidbit of information!

Steven Curtis Chapman

How does a parent deal with the loss of a child and the fact that one of your children is responsible for this awful accident.

Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife have been amazing with all of what has happened during this mist sorrowful time in their lives. You realize that even though this man is one of the top christian music artists in the world.....he is still a human. Into every life, there are times of sorrow, pain, grief, joy, laughter, smiles........God never promises that He would allow us to have no pain but He did promise us that He would be there to walk with us. Actually, He goes before us to make the way clear.

I just wanted to give you the information if you have not heard that the Chapmans' will be talking about their tragedy in August. See the information below:

Chapmans' to appear on Good Morning America
We've just confirmed that Steven and Mary Beth, and potentially the Chapman children, will appear on Good Morning America the week of August 4th.
Seen nationally, ABC's morning tradition, Good Morning America began airing in 1975 and reaches a huge audience of approximately 8 to 10 million each morning.
Let the redemption of this tragedy begin. : )

The Staycataion Update

The staycation is now over and we did a few things but did not get the list completed. Story of every one's life!
We painted, cleaned out the woods, cleaned the garage (somewhat), and spent most of the week being referees.
My sister and I are 10 years apart in age. We did not fight, what is there for a 16 year old to fight with a 6 year old? My children are very well mannered kids but they loose their minds at home. The want to be at each other for everything.......I mean EVERYTHING.
She called me a name, he is a little brat and gets on my nerves, she won't play my game, he is just a pest,.......MOM......MOM.....!!!!!!!! Why do they call me? How come they never call their dad? You boys have it easy because these kids love to yell their mom's name.
Summer is only 1/2 over. Will I make it until August 26th? I can tell you that I will but my kids might not. At this rate, they are going to think going back to school will be a picnic.

Late Nights and Early Mornings

Insomnia: Some people think that it only means not sleeping for days on end. But that’s not entirely true. Insomnia simply means you have trouble sleeping. Whether it’s trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, waking up earlier than you want to, or not feeling refreshed when you do wake up—just having one of these symptoms is enough to say that you have insomnia.
There you go, the definition of Insomnia. I seem to have this issue in my life. Last night, I finally fell asleep around 1AM......oh yes.......wide awake at 3:15AM. That really stinks. It's not that I'm not sleepy because I really am right now. The problem is my mind.
This happens to me a few times a week. I really hate the TYPE "A" personality. What can I fix at 2AM??
I lay down and my mind starts to process all the things that (I feel) needs to get done around here. NUTS!!!! yes, I am nuts.
This night, I have done some paperwork in my office, read some blogs, red the bible, and asked God to talk to my spirit. He is either not saying much or I'm just toooooo tired to hear His voice.
I think there are times in our lives that we have spiritual "late nights and early mornings" those are the times that we simply do not hear His voice.
The Father always is there and ready to speak life into us but we are mentally not ready to hear Him. We simply need to find REST in the Almighty..........He is the one that will give direction, peace, assurance, you fill in the blank for what you need.
Ask Him to help you when you have those late nights and early mornings. He is there to meet you.
As for me, I think a Sunday afternoon nap is in order!