My husband comes home from work and tells me that he has to take a trip. There is a plane in Germany that is broke. He is part of a crew being sent to bring the plane home. There is no guarantee that he will be home on schedule, if the plane has been fixed, or if not, when it will be. Everything depends on God.
Nothing about my husband's job makes sense to me. I think about all the things in this life that don't make sense to me. Why do things happen the way that they do? Then God reminds me that He is with me in it all. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Some things I may never understand the reasons for. But I can know that God is using them for His glory.
Sometimes things seem senseless, purposeless. But God is never senseless. Everything He allows in our lives has a purpose. He wastes nothing, not our joys, not our sorrows, not our mistakes. Chris Sligh sings a song called "Something Beautiful". In it he says "There is something beautiful in all I can't see through". If we think negatively about our circumstances, we miss the beauty of what God is doing. We need to trust that God is doing something beautiful, even when we can't see it. Then we can rejoice because no matter what is happening God will be glorified. Our hope is in Him.
God's word says, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal". 2 Corinthians 4:18
Where are your eyes fixed today?
Kim Ratcliffe
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Upcoming Events
Friday, April 3 Scrapbook Night (or any type of craft/stamping/etc) Meet in rm 109 at 6pm to whenever. Bring $5 for pizza and a snack to share with everyone.
Tuesday, April 14 Topic Meeting- Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building rm 109 from 10-11:45 am for our topic meeting. We will enjoy a time of fellowship and break into care circles for discussion. You can choose from one of the three topics we are currently studying.
Saturday, April 11 Easter Egg Hunt-Come join us at Bethel Assembly of God at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary for a time of muscic, short story, and fun. Dress warm, bring a flashlight, and a basket for the nighttime egg hunt for children ages 12 and under.
Friday, April 17 Pajama & Movie Night- Tender Touch Ministries at Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV Event. Meet in the gym at 6 pm. Childcare will be provided.
Tuesday, April 28 Topic Meeting-Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building rm 109 from 10-11:45 am for our topic meeting. Grace Mueller from Babymoon Doulas will be our guest speaker during our opening. Then we will join our care circles for discussion.
Tuesday, April 14 Topic Meeting- Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building rm 109 from 10-11:45 am for our topic meeting. We will enjoy a time of fellowship and break into care circles for discussion. You can choose from one of the three topics we are currently studying.
Saturday, April 11 Easter Egg Hunt-Come join us at Bethel Assembly of God at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary for a time of muscic, short story, and fun. Dress warm, bring a flashlight, and a basket for the nighttime egg hunt for children ages 12 and under.
Friday, April 17 Pajama & Movie Night- Tender Touch Ministries at Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV Event. Meet in the gym at 6 pm. Childcare will be provided.
Tuesday, April 28 Topic Meeting-Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building rm 109 from 10-11:45 am for our topic meeting. Grace Mueller from Babymoon Doulas will be our guest speaker during our opening. Then we will join our care circles for discussion.
We are all beautiful in God's sight
Today, I saw a commercial that reminded me of a boy I knew while I was attending a private school during my grammar school years. The commercial contains a boy who is quite overweight and steps on a drink pouch and vaporizes. The commercial boy reminded me of the boy in school I knew not only because of his size but because the likeness in his facial features which were quite uncanny.
The boy I knew in school was overweight and smelled but had a heart of gold. He only wanted for someone to love him--sadly love was not to come from his peers. Nine year old boys and girls can be awfully mean. Most of the children in our class made fun of him and not just behind his back. He took most of the teasing in stride even though you could see the hurt on his face.
When we would play tag during recess, he would always volunteer to be "it". He would chase everyone around saying ,"Huggy, I want a huggy!" Even though, we were playing, you could see that all he really wanted was maybe a hug and definitely a little acceptance.
Finally, the school administrator was told of the situation and was extremely displeased. He pulled the boy out of class, gave him a basketball and told him to go play ball in the gymnasium and then he turned his attention to the class. I remember him telling the entire class that what we were doing was completely un-Christlike and that he was ashamed of all of us. He went on to chastise us saying that if he heard so much as a negative peep from any of us that he would expel each and every one of us.
Needless to say, the boy's school life improved from then on and he started receiving "huggys". In this I also realized how wrong I had been to sit around and do nothing before. By doing nothing, I was hurting him more then if I had joined in on the teasing. You see, I had previously come from a school where the children had teased me mercilessly and I didn't want to be made fun of through association.
Today, I am reminded of 1 Samuel 16:7 which says, "...the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." How great is it, that no matter if we are too tall, too short, too fat, too skinny or just plain ugly to our peers, we are beautiful in God's sight!
Tina Burton
The boy I knew in school was overweight and smelled but had a heart of gold. He only wanted for someone to love him--sadly love was not to come from his peers. Nine year old boys and girls can be awfully mean. Most of the children in our class made fun of him and not just behind his back. He took most of the teasing in stride even though you could see the hurt on his face.
When we would play tag during recess, he would always volunteer to be "it". He would chase everyone around saying ,"Huggy, I want a huggy!" Even though, we were playing, you could see that all he really wanted was maybe a hug and definitely a little acceptance.
Finally, the school administrator was told of the situation and was extremely displeased. He pulled the boy out of class, gave him a basketball and told him to go play ball in the gymnasium and then he turned his attention to the class. I remember him telling the entire class that what we were doing was completely un-Christlike and that he was ashamed of all of us. He went on to chastise us saying that if he heard so much as a negative peep from any of us that he would expel each and every one of us.
Needless to say, the boy's school life improved from then on and he started receiving "huggys". In this I also realized how wrong I had been to sit around and do nothing before. By doing nothing, I was hurting him more then if I had joined in on the teasing. You see, I had previously come from a school where the children had teased me mercilessly and I didn't want to be made fun of through association.
Today, I am reminded of 1 Samuel 16:7 which says, "...the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." How great is it, that no matter if we are too tall, too short, too fat, too skinny or just plain ugly to our peers, we are beautiful in God's sight!
Tina Burton
Monday, March 30, 2009
You are Mine
My husband and I had the opportunity to take our children to Walt Disney World at the end of last year. At every park my children wanted to take off running to see all they could see. Repeatedly I chased after them saying "get back here". With all the amazing sights, the characters, and rides I could hardly blame them. However I still reminded them at every park to stay with us because I didn't want to loose them. You see, their mine and my husband's! They would not find another set of parents in that entire park. We're it!
When I was praying this past week about what I should write about this morning, God repeatedly spoke to me, "tell them they are mine". God confirmed it to me when I opened my Bible to Isaiah 43.
"But now, this is what the Lord says- he who created you,... he who formed
you... 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name;
you are mine...'" Isaiah 43:1
There is so much going on in our lives-the phone is ringing, dinner is cooking, the baby is crying, and our minds are racing about finances, loved ones, illnesses. We get distracted with the cares of this world. Just like our children we take off running, if only for a while, forgetting who we belong to. Let me remind you today, dear sisters, who we are in Christ. We are "children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of
God." John 1:13 We are children of God, His daughters!
"When you pass through the waters I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" Isaiah 43:2-3
Many of you are passing through some storms in your life right now. But you are not alone. God is right there telling you- "you are mine"! We can turn to Him in every crises, hurt, or care in this world and say "Abba, Father". Wow! Get a hold of this truth. How much do your children mean to you? Mulitiply it a thousand times to get a taste of God's love for you!
"... you are precious and honored in my sight, and I love you" Isaiah 43:4
Blessings,
Lisa
When I was praying this past week about what I should write about this morning, God repeatedly spoke to me, "tell them they are mine". God confirmed it to me when I opened my Bible to Isaiah 43.
"But now, this is what the Lord says- he who created you,... he who formed
you... 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name;
you are mine...'" Isaiah 43:1
There is so much going on in our lives-the phone is ringing, dinner is cooking, the baby is crying, and our minds are racing about finances, loved ones, illnesses. We get distracted with the cares of this world. Just like our children we take off running, if only for a while, forgetting who we belong to. Let me remind you today, dear sisters, who we are in Christ. We are "children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of
God." John 1:13 We are children of God, His daughters!
"When you pass through the waters I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" Isaiah 43:2-3
Many of you are passing through some storms in your life right now. But you are not alone. God is right there telling you- "you are mine"! We can turn to Him in every crises, hurt, or care in this world and say "Abba, Father". Wow! Get a hold of this truth. How much do your children mean to you? Mulitiply it a thousand times to get a taste of God's love for you!
"... you are precious and honored in my sight, and I love you" Isaiah 43:4
Blessings,
Lisa
Friday, March 27, 2009
Brownie Cups
I made these for my son yesterday because he hasn't been feeling well this week. They are his favorites. When I volunteer to bring something yummy to his classroom at school, I bring these instead of cupcakes. Everyone loves them. I can't take credit for them, Janine DiGiovanni shared the recipe with me. Thanks, Janine! If you get a sweet tooth this weekend, try whipping up some brownie cups!
Brownie Cups Recipe
Ingredients: Any brownie mix
8 oz. Cream Cheese
1/2 cup butter
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. milk (if needed)
1. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package and spoon into a greased mini-muffin pan.
2. Bake brownies until done at 350 degrees. Use a pastry tool or spoon to flatten the brownies center forming them into pastry shells or cups.
3. Make the icing or use packaged cream cheese frosting. Place a bit inside of cups using spoon or Pampered Chef easy accent decorator.
Cream Cheese Icing
1. Soften and then beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla. For smoother consistency add milk.
3. Beat until creamy.
Have a great weekend!
Lisa
Brownie Cups Recipe
Ingredients: Any brownie mix
8 oz. Cream Cheese
1/2 cup butter
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. milk (if needed)
1. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package and spoon into a greased mini-muffin pan.
2. Bake brownies until done at 350 degrees. Use a pastry tool or spoon to flatten the brownies center forming them into pastry shells or cups.
3. Make the icing or use packaged cream cheese frosting. Place a bit inside of cups using spoon or Pampered Chef easy accent decorator.
Cream Cheese Icing
1. Soften and then beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla. For smoother consistency add milk.
3. Beat until creamy.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Angel in a Tree
Well ladies, my thought for Thursday came on Monday. My fluffy white cat, Angel, ran up a tree Monday evening after she was being chased by a dog. I mean she ran way, way, way up the tree. After we realized she would need help getting down, my husband propped a 17 foot ladder against the tree, and climbed up while I "held" it steady. (I really have no way of holding a ladder steady with a 160 pound man on it, but he thinks I do, so I look like I’m contributing anyway). Shawn was finally able to get his hands around the cat and gently try to pull her down. However, the cat DID NOT LET GO of the tree. Her claws were gripped around that tree and holding on for dear life. It didn’t matter how much Shawn tugged, pulled and compelled her to let go —she was gripped. She even made it more challenging when she became more fearful and climbed farther up the tree. Shawn was already standing on his tiptoes and couldn’t reach any further to her new place of "refuge." We finally had to walk away for a while and try to think of plan B. I told my daughter we had to pray that God would help our cat out of her "predicament."
I’m actually not turning this into a story about the power of prayer. Instead, I would like to invoke the thought that we are much like my cat with our claws imbedded in our own self will. In difficult circumstances or unclear situations, we try in our own might to save ourselves. All the while, God is trying to coax us away from our misery, with His hands outstretched, ready to carry us to comfort. But many of us cling on for dear life—to our own life—instead of letting go and trusting the guidance of our Father’s hand. In this particular season of my life, I’m reminded of the scripture daily in Mark 8:35: "for whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it."
Being the controlling natured person that I am, I’m learning to let go of my own disappointments and plans of how I think things should work out. I’m also learning, that when God eventually brings to light His plan or purpose to my situation, I’m left saying, "God you are so much smarter than I am." There are still instances though where I’m waiting for understanding. However, I’d much rather wait in the presence of God than alone isolated gripping to fear and doubt. If my cat wouldn’t have finally let go and come down that tree, she could have possibly weakened and fallen out. It would have been dark, cold and she could have been severely injured. If we live this life clutching on to our own feelings and worries during difficult times, we will be away from God, in the dark, and weak from the exhaustion of trying to do it all by ourselves. He has better plans for us than to be "stuck" in a season of doubt and disappointment. It just takes us to "let go" and put our trust in God.
Without hesitation in saying it, I believe His plan is much better. So, on this Thursday, think about your own desires, goals and state of mind. Are you the cat whose claws are embedded in the tree, as well as climbing farther away from God? Or are you the cat who’s resting safely in his Father’s arms, willing to accept His grace and will for your life?
Deneil Busey
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
What's Up Wednesday!
Our upcoming events for March and April are as follows:
Tuesday, March 31 Easter Party- At Bethel Assembly of God in the gym we will enjoy a time of games, food, and fun. Bring a dish to share with everyone for lunch. Children are welcomed!!
Friday, April 3 Scrapbook Night (or any type of craft/stamping/etc) Meet in rm 109 at 6pm to whenever. Bring $5 for pizza and a snack to share with everyone.
Tuesday, April 14 Topic Meeting- Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building rm 109 from 10-11:45 am for our topic meeting. We will enjoy a time of fellowship and break into care circles for discussion. You can choose from one of the three topics we are currently studying.
Friday, April 17 Pajama & Movie Night- Tender Touch Ministries at Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV Event. Meet in the gym at 6 pm.
Tuesday, April 28 Topic Meeting-Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building rm 109 from 10-11:45 am for our topic meeting. Grace Mueller from Babymoon Doulas will be our guest speaker during our opening. Then we will join our care circles for discussion.
Tuesday, March 31 Easter Party- At Bethel Assembly of God in the gym we will enjoy a time of games, food, and fun. Bring a dish to share with everyone for lunch. Children are welcomed!!
Friday, April 3 Scrapbook Night (or any type of craft/stamping/etc) Meet in rm 109 at 6pm to whenever. Bring $5 for pizza and a snack to share with everyone.
Tuesday, April 14 Topic Meeting- Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building rm 109 from 10-11:45 am for our topic meeting. We will enjoy a time of fellowship and break into care circles for discussion. You can choose from one of the three topics we are currently studying.
Friday, April 17 Pajama & Movie Night- Tender Touch Ministries at Bethel Assembly of God in Martinsburg, WV Event. Meet in the gym at 6 pm.
Tuesday, April 28 Topic Meeting-Join us at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building rm 109 from 10-11:45 am for our topic meeting. Grace Mueller from Babymoon Doulas will be our guest speaker during our opening. Then we will join our care circles for discussion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)